Ideas from 'Principles of Philosophy' by René Descartes [1646], by Theme Structure
[found in 'Philosophical Essays and Correspondence' by Descartes,René (ed/tr Ariew,Roger) [Hackett 2000,0-87220-502-9]].
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1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 2. Invocation to Philosophy
3656
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The greatest good for a state is true philosophers
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8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 3. Powers as Derived
16744
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All powers can be explained by obvious features like size, shape and motion of matter
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8. Modes of Existence / D. Universals / 1. Universals
5016
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Five universals: genus, species, difference, property, accident
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8. Modes of Existence / E. Nominalism / 2. Resemblance Nominalism
5015
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A universal is a single idea applied to individual things that are similar to one another
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9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 2. Substance / a. Substance
16630
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If we perceive an attribute, we infer the existence of some substance
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9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 2. Substance / d. Substance defined
5013
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A substance needs nothing else in order to exist
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9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 9. Essence and Properties
16633
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A substance has one principal property which is its nature and essence
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11. Knowledge Aims / B. Certain Knowledge / 4. The Cogito
3658
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Total doubt can't include your existence while doubting
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5005
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I think, therefore I am, because for a thinking thing to not exist is a contradiction
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5006
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'Thought' is all our conscious awareness, including feeling as well as understanding
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12. Knowledge Sources / A. A Priori Knowledge / 4. A Priori as Necessities
5012
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'Nothing comes from nothing' is an eternal truth found within the mind
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13. Knowledge Criteria / B. Internal Justification / 4. Foundationalism / b. Basic beliefs
5004
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We can know basic Principles without further knowledge, but not the other way round
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15. Nature of Minds / B. Features of Minds / 1. Consciousness / b. Essence of consciousness
5014
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We can understand thinking occuring without imagination or sensation
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16. Persons / D. Continuity of the Self / 7. Self and Thinking
5017
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In thinking we shut ourselves off from other substances, showing our identity and separateness
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16. Persons / F. Free Will / 1. Nature of Free Will
5010
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Our free will is so self-evident to us that it must be a basic innate idea
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17. Mind and Body / A. Mind-Body Dualism / 1. Dualism
5011
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There are two ultimate classes of existence: thinking substance and extended substance
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17. Mind and Body / D. Property Dualism / 5. Supervenience of mind
5018
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Even if tightly united, mind and body are different, as God could separate them
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18. Thought / A. Modes of Thought / 6. Judgement / b. Error
5007
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Most errors of judgement result from an inaccurate perception of the facts
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20. Action / C. Motives for Action / 4. Responsibility for Actions
5008
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The greatest perfection of man is to act by free will, and thus merit praise or blame
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5009
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We do not praise the acts of an efficient automaton, as their acts are necessary
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26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 1. Nature
15987
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Physics only needs geometry or abstract mathematics, which can explain and demonstrate everything
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26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 2. Natural Purpose / c. Purpose denied
12730
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We will not try to understand natural or divine ends, or final causes
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26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 7. Later Matter Theories / c. Matter as extension
16601
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Matter is not hard, heavy or coloured, but merely extended in space
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