The “Cartesian subject”

The Cartesian subject is “a person as seen by Rene Descartes”. A subject who thinks and thus exists. The Cartesian subject relies upon the idea that there is a split between the mind and body. In this way, the body is merely a machine to be manipulated by the subject (the mind) as are all other external beings/things. This provides a sense of mastery and control or at least the aspiration to attain said control.