What does "3 dimensional" refer to in Descartes' physical world?

In the context of Descartes' physical world, the term "3 dimensional" refers to the spatial nature of objects. Descartes was instrumental in articulating a clear distinction between the mind and body, laying the groundwork for a dualistic understanding of reality. In this dualism, the physical world is characterized by its measurable properties, meaning it has length, width, and height—thus existing in three dimensions.

This spatial framework allows for the perception of physical objects in a tangible way, reinforcing the idea that the material world can be analyzed and understood through mathematical and scientific principles. Descartes emphasized the importance of spatial dimensions in his philosophy, as they relate to the physical interactions occurring in the world around us. This focus on the spatial attributes aligns with the broader scientific perspective of his time, which sought to map and explain the physical universe.