In Descartes' view, how is the physical world characterized?

Descartes characterizes the physical world as solid, spatial, and imperfect. This perspective aligns with his dualistic view of reality, where he differentiated between the mind (or soul) and the body (physical substances). He argued that the body is composed of extended substances, which are tangible and occupy space, epitomizing solid and spatial characteristics. Moreover, Descartes recognized the imperfections of the physical world, acknowledging that while it is subject to mechanical laws, it is not perfect, reflecting the inherent flaws in the material existence. This notion stands in contrast to his ideas about the mind, which he considered more perfect and immaterial, thus reinforcing the dualistic nature of his philosophy.