more on this theme
|
more from this thinker
Single Idea 5005
[filed under theme 11. Knowledge Aims / B. Certain Knowledge / 4. The Cogito
]
Full Idea
There is a contradiction in conceiving that what thinks does not (at the same time as it thinks) exist. Hence this conclusion I think, therefore I am, is the first and most certain that occurs to one who philosophises in an orderly way.
Gist of Idea
I think, therefore I am, because for a thinking thing to not exist is a contradiction
Source
René Descartes (Principles of Philosophy [1646], I.07)
Book Ref
Descartes,René: 'Philosophical Essays and Correspondence', ed/tr. Ariew,Roger [Hackett 2000], p.232
A Reaction
The classic statement of his argument. The significance here is that it seems to have the structure of an argument, as it involves 'philosophising', which leads to a 'contradiction', and hence to the famous conclusion. It is not just intuitive.
The
23 ideas
from 'Principles of Philosophy'
3658
|
Total doubt can't include your existence while doubting
[Descartes]
|
5004
|
We can know basic Principles without further knowledge, but not the other way round
[Descartes]
|
3656
|
The greatest good for a state is true philosophers
[Descartes]
|
12730
|
We will not try to understand natural or divine ends, or final causes
[Descartes]
|
16601
|
Matter is not hard, heavy or coloured, but merely extended in space
[Descartes]
|
15987
|
Physics only needs geometry or abstract mathematics, which can explain and demonstrate everything
[Descartes]
|
5005
|
I think, therefore I am, because for a thinking thing to not exist is a contradiction
[Descartes]
|
5006
|
'Thought' is all our conscious awareness, including feeling as well as understanding
[Descartes]
|
5007
|
Most errors of judgement result from an inaccurate perception of the facts
[Descartes]
|
5008
|
The greatest perfection of man is to act by free will, and thus merit praise or blame
[Descartes]
|
5009
|
We do not praise the acts of an efficient automaton, as their acts are necessary
[Descartes]
|
5010
|
Our free will is so self-evident to us that it must be a basic innate idea
[Descartes]
|
5011
|
There are two ultimate classes of existence: thinking substance and extended substance
[Descartes]
|
5012
|
'Nothing comes from nothing' is an eternal truth found within the mind
[Descartes]
|
5013
|
A substance needs nothing else in order to exist
[Descartes]
|
16630
|
If we perceive an attribute, we infer the existence of some substance
[Descartes]
|
16633
|
A substance has one principal property which is its nature and essence
[Descartes]
|
5014
|
We can understand thinking occuring without imagination or sensation
[Descartes]
|
5016
|
Five universals: genus, species, difference, property, accident
[Descartes]
|
5015
|
A universal is a single idea applied to individual things that are similar to one another
[Descartes]
|
5018
|
Even if tightly united, mind and body are different, as God could separate them
[Descartes]
|
5017
|
In thinking we shut ourselves off from other substances, showing our identity and separateness
[Descartes]
|
16744
|
All powers can be explained by obvious features like size, shape and motion of matter
[Descartes]
|