Rationalism, Descartes, and Hume on Religion

Rationalism: Reason as the Source of Knowledge

Rationalism asserts absolute confidence in human reason. Key aspects include the source and ideal of knowledge.

Source of Knowledge

Rationalists argue that the primary source of valid knowledge is reason itself, particularly through innate ideas.

Sensory experience is often considered confusing and unreliable for true knowledge.

Scientific knowledge is identified with rational knowledge.

Ideal of Knowledge

The ideal is a deductive system, analogous to mathematics, where truths can be deduced from fundamental principles.

Rationalists propose foundational principles not derived from experience but innate to reason.

Mathematics serves as a model for how reason can expand understanding of reality.

The Role of Ideas

The core of rationalist theory centers on ideas.

Knowledge rests not directly on external objects but on our ideas of them.

The concept of substance is a fundamental issue in rationalism.

Rationalism and Descartes

Descartes represents modern philosophy, moving beyond the dogmatism of Scholasticism.

He sought to liberate reason from its subservience to theology during the Scholastic period, where reason was limited to analyzing truths accepted by faith.

Descartes argued that the reason must discover truth independently before accepting it, asserting the independence of reason from faith.

Descartes' Method

To establish certain knowledge, Descartes employed a method involving:

• Systematic doubt (methodological doubt).
• Establishing clear rules for the proper use of reason.
• Setting aside previous beliefs temporarily.

Outcome of Descartes' Philosophy

A deductive system is formulated with new metaphysical foundations rooted in reason.

A duality is established, often seen as two parallel worlds (mind and body) that are difficult to interact.

Physical phenomena are understood in terms of extension and movement (often with God as the ultimate cause or sustainer).

Hume's Perspective on Religion

Hume rejected both traditional theism (belief in a creator and provider God) and the God of Deism (a natural God without mysteries, serving as a foundation for morality and nature).

He questioned the existence of a transcendent, suprasensible being.

Hume refuted arguments for God's existence, concluding that belief in God lacks a rational basis.

The Origin of Religious Belief

Hume viewed religious belief as an act of faith, devoid of rationality.

He sought the origin of religion in human sentiment, arising from:

• The hardships of life.
• Uncertainty about the future.
• Fear of death and suffering.

These fears lead humans to believe in superior, unseen forces.

Development of Religion

Hume suggested early humanity was polytheistic, attributing forces to multiple customized beings.

Later, these forces were attributed to a single divine power, leading to monotheistic religions.

He noted the advent of Christianity and its role in consolidating beliefs about freedom and human dignity.