Mind-body dualism is an older position than Descartes, but cartesian dualism is distinct from the Aristotelian hylemorphic theories that were popular for a long

Mind-body dualism is an older position than Descartes, but cartesian dualism is distinct from the Aristotelian hylemorphic theories that were popular for a long time before, and still profoundly shapes the way we think in ways that may be difficult to even realize because the world view completely permeates all modern western thought. It does however become very apparent when you read pre-cartesian authors that their views on the soul are off. If you equate the soul with consciousness, it's obvious that a potted plant does not have a soul. If you view it as the animating principle, it's equally ridiculous to say a potted plant doesn't have a soul, since it's so clearly growing.