[39] Ibid., Vol. II, Chap. XVI, p. 451, and Chap. XXVI, p. 485. Cf. “Man a Machine,” pp. 125–126. [↑]

OUTLINE OF LA METTRIE’S METAPHYSICAL DOCTRINE.

PAGES[1]
I.Insistence on the EmpiricalStandpoint16f.; 88f.; 72, 142
II.Arguments in Favor ofMaterialism:
a.The “Soul” isAffected,
1.By Disease18f.; 90f.
2.By Sleep19f.; 91f.
3.By Drugs20; 92
4.By Food21f.; 93ff.
5.By Age and Sex23f.; 95f.
6.By Temperature and Climate24f.; 96ff.
b.There is No Sharp DistinctionBetween Men and Animals (Machines)28f., 100ff.; 41ff., 113ff.; 75f., 142f.
c.Bodily Movements are Due to the“Motive Power” of the Body51ff., 129ff.
III.Conception of Matter.
a.Matter is Extended154f.
b.Matter Has the Power of Motion70, 140; 156ff.
c.Matter Has the Faculty ofFeeling159ff.
IV.Conception of Man:
a.Man is a Machine17, 89; 21, 93; 56, 128; 69, 140f.; 73, 143; 80,148
b.All Man’s Faculties Reduce toSense and Imagination35ff., 107ff.
c.Man is Like Animals in BeingCapable of Education38, 110
d.Man is Ignorant of His Destiny79, 147
V.Theological Doctrine:
a.The Existence of God is Unprovedand Practically Unimportant50, 122
b.The Argument from Design isIneffective Against the Hypothesis of Mechanical Causality51ff., 124ff.
c.Atheism Makes for Happiness55, 126f.


[1] The references are to pages of this book. [↑]

NOTES.[1]