The quest for truth and certainty from "summary" of Discourse on the Method and the Meditations by Rene Descartes
The pursuit of truth and certainty is a fundamental aspect of human existence. It is a quest that has driven individuals throughout history to seek knowledge and understanding of the world in which they live. In his works, Descartes explores this quest by examining the nature of knowledge and the methods by which it can be attained. Descartes begins his inquiry by questioning the reliability of sensory perception as a means of acquiring knowledge. He argues that our senses can be deceived, leading us to form false beliefs about the world around us. In order to overcome this potential for deception, Descartes proposes a method of doubt, in which he systematically questions all of his beliefs in order to determine which ones are certain and which ones are not. Through this method of doubt, Descartes arrives at the famous conclusion, "Cogito, ergo sum" - "I think, therefore I am." This statement serves as the foundation for his quest for truth and certainty, as it establishes the existence of a thinking self as the one indubitable truth upon which all other knowledge can be built. Having established the existence of a thinking self, Descartes then seeks to establish the existence of God as a guarantor of the truth of his clear and distinct perceptions. He argues that the existence of a perfect being is necessary in order to explain the existence of these clear and distinct ideas, as they are beyond the capacity of the finite human mind to produce on its own. By rooting his quest for truth and certainty in the existence of a thinking self and a perfect being, Descartes lays the groundwork for a system of knowledge that is free from the uncertainties of sensory perception and the potential for deception. In doing so, he offers a model of inquiry that remains influential to this day, as it continues to shape our understanding of the nature of knowledge and the methods by which it can be attained.
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