Which philosopher proposed that nerve pathways allowed for reflexes?

• A. John Locke
• B. William James
• C. Sigmund Freud
• D. René Descartes

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the historical context of the question: it asks which philosopher proposed that nerve pathways allowed for reflexes, a concept related to early neuroscience and psychology.
2. Recall that René Descartes is known for his work on the mind-body connection and proposed that reflexes occur through mechanical processes involving nerve pathways.
3. Recognize that John Locke focused on empiricism and knowledge acquisition, William James on functionalism and psychology as a science, and Sigmund Freud on psychoanalysis, none of whom specifically proposed nerve pathways for reflexes.
4. Identify that Descartes introduced the idea that the body operates like a machine, with nerves transmitting signals to produce reflexive actions without conscious thought.
5. Conclude that the correct philosopher associated with nerve pathways and reflexes is René Descartes.