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Chapter 5 Structure of the Soul and Extension
Form of the Soul's Existence
The problem of the existence of the soul may be considered chiefly in two ways. Firstly, the soul may be thought to exist with its dimension, whether finite or infinite. This form of the soul's existence was generally upheld both in the east and the west. As regards the other form of the soul's existence the view is based on the concept that dimensions cannot be applied to it. This very problem takes another form when interpreted in terms of space. It becomes the problem of extension or inextension of the soul. The latter view is not as old as the former one. It appears that the theory of non-spatiality of mind did not develop till Descartes. In the east the idea of non-spatiality of that soul seems to have developed on its ubiquitous nature.
Meaning of Extension
Descartes distinguishes between the essential natures of the soul and matter. He holds that “extension solely belongs to matter, and consciousness is an exclusive quality of the soul. Extension and consciousness cannot coexist."! It is again said that "Extension is length, breadth and thickness, hence extension and space are identical.”2 We must remember that, while affirming extension of matter or soul, we mean that the dimensions belong to matter or the soul itself. The dimensions are intrinsic to the structure of the
1. Thilly: A History of Philosophy, p. 254 2. Ibid., p. 253
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