Descartes' Philosophy: Proving God's Existence and the Nature of Doubt

Descartes' Arguments for God's Existence

The Argument from Perfection

The idea of God is not innate within us, nor does it come from external experience, because neither we nor the world are perfect. Therefore, this perfect idea must originate from a being that is truly perfect. If we, imperfect beings, possess the idea of perfection, this idea must have come from a being more perfect than ourselves. This being is God.

The Ontological Argument

This argument, primarily associated with Anselm of Canterbury, is also known as the ontological argument. Building on the concept of God as a supremely perfect being, Descartes argues that if we conceive of God as possessing all perfections, then existence must be one of those perfections. Therefore, God, as the personification of perfection, necessarily exists.

The Argument from Infinity

The idea of an infinite being cannot be generated by us, as we are finite beings. Therefore, the existence of the idea of infinity within us necessitates the existence of an infinite being as its cause. This infinite being is God.

The First Mover Argument

Descartes posits that in the world, motion must have a cause. He argues that the concept of a vacuum does not exist, as all space is filled with extended substance. Therefore, to explain how motion begins, there must be a First Mover that initiates all movement. This First Mover is God.

Understanding Cartesian Doubt

In conclusion, Descartes truly guaranteed certainty by confirming the validity of his method and rules of evidence as the criterion of truth. This allowed him to reject the hypothesis of the evil genius or the assumption of inherent deception. He argued that error is produced by the misuse of reason, not by a malevolent entity.

Characteristics of Cartesian Doubt

Descartes' doubt is methodical because it does not seek to remain in doubt but rather utilizes doubt as a mechanism to find certainty.

1. It is a consequence of the first rule of his method.
2. It utilizes doubt as an instrument to overcome doubt itself, not intending to question doubt universally.
3. It is universal because it extends to all areas of knowledge.
4. It is hyperbolic because it is an exaggerated form of doubt.
5. It is theoretical because it applies to the field of knowledge, not to practical life.

Cartesian Mechanism Explained

Descartes rejected the existence of atoms, arguing that it is inconceivable for extension not to be divisible. He also denied the existence of a vacuum, asserting that everything is full of matter. Furthermore, he refused to acknowledge any intrinsic active ingredients within matter, thereby negating all Aristotelian 'hidden qualities'.