Descartes’ Philosophy: Knowledge, Metaphysics, and Anthropology

Posted on Nov 16, 2024 in Philosophy and ethics

Descartes’ Theory of Knowledge

Descartes argued for a unified concept of knowledge based solely on reason. He proposed the Cartesian method, modeled on mathematics, emphasizing objective, necessary, obvious, and universal truths.

Human reason operates through intuition (grasping simple concepts) and deduction (discovering connections between ideas). The method includes:

  • Evidence: Clear and distinct ideas.
  • Analysis: Breaking down complex ideas into simpler ones.
  • Synthesis: Inferring new knowledge from simple ideas.
  • Check: Verifying deductive chains.

Descartes believed errors stemmed from flawed methods, not imperfect reason.

The Existence of the Self

Descartes sought an indubitable truth through methodical doubt:

  • Sensory knowledge: Senses can deceive.
  • Rational knowledge: Reason can err.
  • Dreaming vs. waking: Difficulty distinguishing them.
  • Evil genius: A hypothetical deceiver.

The only certainty is “I think, therefore I am,” establishing the self’s existence.

Classification of Ideas

  • Adventitious ideas: From external experience.
  • Factitious ideas: Created by imagination.
  • Innate ideas: Inherent in understanding.

Descartes’ Metaphysics

Descartes identified three substances:

  • God: Infinite substance, the only true substance.
  • Soul: Finite substance with thought as its attribute.
  • Body: Finite substance with extension as its attribute.

Demonstration of God’s Existence

  • The idea of God has more objective reality than others.
  • The cause of this idea must have at least as much reality.
  • God’s existence overrides doubt and confirms the world’s existence.

Descartes’ Anthropology

Anthropological Dualism

Descartes separated soul (thinking substance) and body (extended substance):

  • Soul: Eternal, with understanding and freedom.
  • Body: Finite, material, explained by mechanics.

Passions originate in the body and affect the soul. They should be controlled by reason to exercise human freedom, choosing what is good and true according to intellect.