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Single Idea 5685

[from 'Meditations' by René Descartes, in 18. Thought / C. Content / 2. Ideas ]

Full Idea

Some of my thoughts are like images of things; to these alone does the word 'idea' properly apply, as when I think of a man, or a chimera, or the sky, or an angel, or God.

Clarification

A 'chimera' is a mythological animal

Gist of Idea

True ideas are images, such as of a man, a chimera, or God

Source

René Descartes (Meditations [1641], §3.37)

Book Reference

Descartes,René: 'Philosophical Essays and Correspondence', ed/tr. Ariew,Roger [Hackett 2000], p.114


A Reaction

Descartes is obviously aware of a problem with the application of the word 'idea'. This definition seems rather narrow (and visual), but it is certainly confined to concepts, and does not expand to include propositions.