Which philosopher is associated with the dualist viewpoint and the evil demon hypothesis?

René Descartes is the philosopher associated with the dualist viewpoint and the evil demon hypothesis. Dualism, particularly as it pertains to the mind-body distinction, posits that the mind and body are fundamentally different in nature. Descartes famously argued for this dualistic perspective, suggesting that the mind (or soul) is a non-physical entity that is separate from the body, which is physical.

The evil demon hypothesis is a thought experiment Descartes used to explore the limits of knowledge. In this scenario, he posits the existence of a powerful deceiver (the evil demon) that could manipulate our perceptions and beliefs, leading us to doubt the existence of the external world and even the truths of mathematics. This hypothesis was instrumental in his method of radical skepticism, ultimately allowing him to reach his conclusion, “Cogito, ergo sum” ("I think, therefore I am"), reaffirming the certainty of existence and thought despite potential deceptions.

In contrast, the other philosophers listed—Francis Bacon, Aristotle, and David Hume—do not strictly align with the dualist perspective or the specific evil demon hypothesis, making Descartes the clear choice for this association.