Philosophical Concepts: Ideas, Experience, Ethics, Reason

Descartes' Analysis of Ideas

In this text, Descartes presents his analysis of ideas. First, Descartes states that our ideas, considered as immanent content (internal content) of our mind, cannot be considered false. Then, after recognizing that we can only be wrong when we make judgments, he says that it is a very common mistake to assume that our ideas refer to external entities; otherwise, we would never be wrong. Finally, Descartes concludes by explaining his distinction between the three types of ideas: innate, fictitious, and adventitious.

Locke's Critique of Cartesian Innatism

In this text, John Locke presents his critique of Cartesian innatism. First, Locke states that the goal of this text is to refute the widespread belief in the existence of innate ideas in our mind by showing how this knowledge is acquired through sensory experience. Then, he takes as representative examples of supposed innate principles these two: "Whatever is, is" and "It is impossible for the same thing to be and not to be." He questions their innate character since these principles are not recognized by all individuals. Finally, he reinforces his previous argument by mentioning children and individuals with cognitive impairments ("idiots") because they are unaware of these principles. Therefore, these statements lack universal recognition, a quality supposedly inherent to any innate principle.

Savater's Definition of Ethics

The principal topic of this text is ethics. Fernando Savater makes clear that it is the art of living, or knowing how to live — understanding what is beneficial for us and what is not. In this context, the author says that each person acts in their own interest for a near or distant future. Within this study lies essential knowledge we need to live: the ability to distinguish what is beneficial for us and what is not, but this task is not so simple. We have a capacity that separates us from animals: the will, the ability to say yes or no. This he calls freedom. Our freedom has two aspects:

• First, we cannot choose what happens to us, but we can choose how to respond to the situations that happen to us.
• Second, it involves accepting reality, even if we don't always achieve the desired results.

Many people reject freedom because they do not want to accept responsibility for their actions. This is Savater's definition of ethics.

The Role of Reason in Philosophy

• Biological meaning: Reason as a human faculty.
• Social meaning: Reason understood as a set of arguments, criteria, rules, principles, etc., which are useful to organize human coexistence.

Biological Meaning of Reason

Example: "Since I reached the age of reason, I have always liked philosophy."

Social Meaning of Reason

Example: "The reason we're here is to learn philosophy."

Both meanings are used frequently in philosophy, so it is important to identify their differences to avoid making mistakes or misunderstandings. In a way, we can affirm that the use of the word "reason" with a social meaning refers to those ideas, concepts, or mental contents that result from the use of reason with a biological meaning, that is, reason as a human faculty.