I caught most of this discussion and from what I heard sounds like we have a real case of hagiography going on here.
Never forget that at Descartes feet we can lay the blame for the human/nature disconnect that has resulted in the general rape of the land, pollution of the oceans, horrific treatment of (other) animals, and a general derailing of the human's consciousness of his/her relation to the earth and everything else in it.

as a graduate history student, pondering thesis topics and post graduate work, I'd love to know how an historian like Shorto finds the time and financial resources to travel around Europe digging up clues regarding bones.

Many people believe the Cartesian model is one of the worst things that ever happened. A removal of intuition, passion and belief. Basically a removal of everything that makes us unique as humans.

Roman

For most people Descartes name is linked to coordinate system

Dear Leonard: Presumably you know the joke about Descartes in a coffee bar - but in case not. The waitress asked him if he wanted another latte. He replied "I think not" and promptly disappeared.
Always enjoy your show.
Best, Lennie