Summary Of Descartes Meditation II
In Meditation II, Descartes claims that if we are able to think, then we exist. Descartes questions reality and whether reality is really reality since we can often be deceived. Firstly, he states that his senses help him see that something is happening, however, senses can often be deceived, so that something can appear differently to us. Next, he explains that he knows he is awake, however, dreams sometimes appear real, and people don’t know whether something is happening in a dream or if it is happening in real life. Then, he explains that simple things such as arithmetic and geometry cannot be doubted, however, if God exists, he could deceive us. Therefore, after, questioning everything, Descartes realized that he has been thinking this
whole time, which proves that he exists.
Philosophers question the existence of everything, however, when it comes to questioning the existence of human beings, whether one exists, Descartes proves that as long as the individual is thinking, that individual exists. In other words, thinking or even doubting that one exists is proof that the individual has a mind, because without a mind, there would be no thought which means that the individual does not exist.
The point that requires further examination is whether this applies to everything and whether we can prove if certain things, such as animals exist or whether they are just an illusion. As children, we learn that physical objects such as, a desk or a bed, are lifeless objects, therefore they do not think and do not have a mind. However, if these objects do not think, does that mean that they don’t exist and that they are just an illusion? This applies to pets as well, how can we prove that they exist, and that they are able to think? There was no specification, whether the phrase “I think therefore I am” can apply to everything or if it only applies to human beings that are able to think and say thoughts aloud.
In conclusion, Descartes’ phrase, “I think, therefore I am” can apply to humans, but, philosophers have to explain a way to prove the existence of everything else.
whole time, which proves that he exists.
Philosophers question the existence of everything, however, when it comes to questioning the existence of human beings, whether one exists, Descartes proves that as long as the individual is thinking, that individual exists. In other words, thinking or even doubting that one exists is proof that the individual has a mind, because without a mind, there would be no thought which means that the individual does not exist.
The point that requires further examination is whether this applies to everything and whether we can prove if certain things, such as animals exist or whether they are just an illusion. As children, we learn that physical objects such as, a desk or a bed, are lifeless objects, therefore they do not think and do not have a mind. However, if these objects do not think, does that mean that they don’t exist and that they are just an illusion? This applies to pets as well, how can we prove that they exist, and that they are able to think? There was no specification, whether the phrase “I think therefore I am” can apply to everything or if it only applies to human beings that are able to think and say thoughts aloud.
In conclusion, Descartes’ phrase, “I think, therefore I am” can apply to humans, but, philosophers have to explain a way to prove the existence of everything else.