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Single Idea 3635

[filed under theme 23. Ethics / F. Existentialism / 5. Existence-Essence ]

Full Idea

According to the laws of true logic, we must never ask about the existence of anything until we first understand its essence.

Gist of Idea

Essence must be known before we discuss existence

Source

René Descartes (Reply to First Objections [1641], 108)

Book Ref

Descartes,René: 'Meditations on First Philosophy etc.', ed/tr. Cottingham,John [CUP 1986], p.88

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The 3 ideas from 'Reply to First Objections'

16634

I can't be unaware of anything which is in me [Descartes]

3634	We can't prove a first cause from our inability to grasp infinity [Descartes]

3635	Essence must be known before we discuss existence [Descartes]