Question

Which event prevented Descartes from publishing The World after he was done writing the book?

a) A legal dispute
b) The book was considered too controversial
c) Illness or death
d) Lack of funds

Answer 1

Descartes was prevented from publishing The World due to a legal dispute.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct option is (a) a legal dispute. Descartes faced a legal obstacle that prevented the publication of his work "The World" ("Le Monde" in French). In 1633, the Catholic Church condemned Galileo Galilei's heliocentric views, and fearing similar repercussions, Descartes refrained from publishing his work. This decision was likely influenced by the tense relationship between the Church and proponents of scientific ideas that challenged the geocentric model. Descartes, who had a cautious approach to avoiding conflicts with religious authorities, chose not to publish "The World" to avoid potential backlash. The fear of a legal dispute and the Church's influence on scientific thought during that period played a crucial role in this decision.