Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy is a foundational text in the history of philosophy. It explores the nature of knowledge, reality, and the self. In this section, we will delve into the key concepts and arguments presented in Descartes' work.
Key Arguments
Method of Doubt: Descartes begins by doubting everything he knows, including his senses, to find something that cannot be doubted. He concludes that the act of doubting itself is proof of his existence as a thinking being.
Cogito, Ergo Sum: From the act of doubting, Descartes derives the famous statement "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am). This means that the very act of thinking proves his existence.
The Existence of God: Descartes argues that if he exists, then a perfect being (God) must exist, as he is certain of the existence of a perfect being from his own nature.
The Mind-Body Distinction: Descartes distinguishes between the mind (res cogitans) and the body (res extensa), suggesting that the mind is a non-physical substance.
Further Reading
For a deeper understanding of Descartes' Meditations, we recommend exploring the following resources: