Outline of La Mettrie’s Metaphysical Doctrine

I. Insistence on the Empirical Standpoint

II. Arguments in Favor of Materialism:

a. The “Soul” is Affected,

1. By Disease

2. By Sleep

3. By Drugs

4. By Food

5. By Age and Sex

6. By Temperature and Climate

b. There is No Sharp Distinction Between Men and Animals (Machines)

c. Bodily Movements are Due to the “Motive Power” of the Body

III. Conception of Matter.

a. Matter is Extended

b. Matter Has the Power of Motion

c. Matter Has the Faculty of Feeling

IV. Conception of Man:

a. Man is a Machine

b. All Man’s Faculties Reduce to Sense and Imagination

c. Man is Like Animals in Being Capable of Education

d. Man is Ignorant of His Destiny

V. Theological Doctrine:

a. The Existence of God is Unproved and Practically Unimportant

b. The Argument from Design is Ineffective Against the Hypothesis of Mechanical Causality

c. Atheism Makes for Happiness