Strasti duše

The work is structured in three parts: the first part deals with the basic concepts of the soul and the body, the second explains the origin and nature of passions, and the third analyzes individual passions and their mutual dynamics.

Descartes claims that passions arise from the movement of the pineal gland, which serves as the central link between the soul (rational and immaterial) and the body (material). The soul receives influences from the body through nerve impulses, which manifest as feelings and emotions. According to him, passions are important indicators that help the soul understand the needs of the body.

Among the basic passions, Descartes lists wonder, love, hatred, desire, joy, and sadness, from which all other emotions arise. Although passions are passive because they originate in the body, the soul can recognize, evaluate, and gain some control over them through reason and will. In this sense, rational control over passions leads to virtue and inner freedom.

Descartes' theory represents an important step towards modern psychology and philosophy of emotions, as it attempts to explain the complex relationships between body and mind in the context of everyday human experience.