Did Descartes Ruin Western Philosophy?

Did Descartes Ruin Western Philosophy?

August 13, 2026 · 31 min · Episode 64

About this episode

Fr. Bonaventure and Fr. Patrick Briscoe discuss the impact of René Descartes on Western philosophy and the Catholic tradition.

Why do Catholics, and Thomists in particular, have such a problem with René Descartes? Fr. Bonaventure and Fr. Patrick Briscoe take another look at one of the most controversial figures in modern philosophy. From “I think, therefore I am” and the mind-body problem to Descartes’ Catholic faith and surprising Augustinian influences, they ask whether the father of modern philosophy deserves his reputation. Was Descartes really the enemy of the Catholic philosophical tradition? Or have Catholics been too quick to dismiss him? What thinkers and philosophers would you like the friars to discuss next? Let us know in the comments! Join Exodus 90 for St. Michael's Lent with with Fr. Columba Jordan starting on August 12th: https://exodus90.com/godsplaining For the St. Dominic Rosary and more from the Catholic Woodworker: https://catholicwoodworker.com/products/st-dominic-rosary?utm_source=godsplaining&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=stdominic Send your questions for the friars to: godsplaining@opeast.org Subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Godsplaining Support the Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining Shop merch: https://godsplaining.org/store/ Shop…

People in this episode

Host: Fr. Bonaventure

Guest: Fr. Patrick Briscoe

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Exodus 90

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Dominican Friars Province of St. Joseph, Catholic Woodworker

Books & works: O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas, Justice: Judge Rightly, Give Freely, Witness, Training the Tongue

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