Single Idea 21253

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / A. A Priori Knowledge / 2. Self-Evidence]

Full Idea

It is not sufficient for Descartes to claim that he perceives something in himself clearly and distinctly, for this is to not complete the demonstration, unless he shows the method through which others can attain the same experience.

Gist of Idea

Descartes needs to demonstrate how other people can attain his clear and distinct conceptions

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (New Essays on Human Understanding [1704], App X)

Book Reference

'The Existence of God', ed/tr. Hick,John [Macmillan 1964], p.39


A Reaction

For the simplest rational insight this seems a rather tough requirement. If you say A>B, and B>C, so A>C, then once you have grasped the concept of 'greater than' I'm not sure there is a further possible demonstration.