res extensa

the Latin term (literally: “extended thing”) used by René Descartes to refer to the physical realm of matter. By “extended” Descartes meant that material objects have the property of occupying space, in contrast to the mind, which has no spatial dimensions. Compare res cogitans. See Cartesian dualism.

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Psychology term of the day

January 13th 2025

somatic obsession

preoccupation with one’s body or any part of it. This concern may be associated with compulsive checking of the body part (e.g., in a mirror or by touch), comparing oneself to others, and seeking reassurance about one’s body. Somatic obsession is the central feature of body dysmorphic disorder but may also be a feature of obsessive-compulsive disorder if other obsessive-compulsive symptoms are present.