Descartes’ Proof of God’s Existence: Innate Ideas
Descartes’ Proof of God’s Existence
Innate Ideas and the Concept of God
Following his consideration of innate ideas, Descartes turned his attention to the idea of God. He understood God as “an infinite, independent, highly intelligent, and powerful substance that had created him and anything that exists, if it exists.”
The Justification for a Finite Substance
The use of “finite substance” seems justified. After analyzing a series of ideas and checking their compliance with certain conditions, Descartes
Read MoreNietzsche’s Philosophy: God’s Death and Moral Critique
The Death of God and Nihilism
The Death of God and Nihilism is the first part of Thus Spoke Zarathustra. God is dead, and we killed him with rationalism and the Enlightenment because if science is the only true god, what is the point? But his shadow is long; that is, it is everywhere: in language, traditions, etc. Everything is God’s appearance. Nietzsche said that God’s death has provoked fear in the weak and that his place has quickly been filled by reason, the theoretical man. Now man abdicates
Read MoreNietzsche’s Zarathustra: Death of God and the Last Man
Thus Spoke Zarathustra: An Interpretation
Zoroaster and the Duality of Good and Evil
Zoroaster, also known as Zarathustra by the Greeks, was a Persian prophet who founded the religion known as Mazdaism or Parsiism. According to him, there are two conflicting realities: good and evil. These two principles are ontological, representing God and the anti-god. Hormuz, or Ahura Mazda, embodies good, while Ahriman, or Angra Mainyu, embodies evil. The struggle between these two forces was ultimately resolved
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Descartes: The Universe of Rationalism
Descartes sees the universe through the lens of rationalism. The unity of reason and science is paramount. The method Descartes uses is another matter. There is no human wisdom that remains identical, even when applied to various sciences and diverse knowledge. Incremental manifestation of knowledge is the only reason for Descartes.
The Structure of Reason and Method
Descartes identifies two types of knowledge: intuition and deduction.
- Intuition: A light or natural
Descartes’ Philosophy: Thinking Substance and Infinite Being
Res Cogitans: The Thinking Substance
Res cogitans refers to a thinking thing that doubts, understands, affirms, denies, wills, imagines, and feels. Sentimental life encompasses emotional and volitional aspects. All states of mind are considered psychic thoughts. While I may not have a body, I cannot deny that I am thinking. The objects of thought (res cogitans) are ideas.
In analyzing ideas, Descartes distinguishes two aspects:
- They are mental acts. All ideas have the same reality and seem to originate
Human Nature: Foundation of All Sciences
Human Nature: The Foundation of All Sciences
Hume’s Philosophy on Science and Human Nature
David Hume argues for the interdependence of all sciences and what he terms “the science of human nature.” Since all sciences are created by humans, it is humans who should be studied. Everything that humans can know depends on their capacity. Hume’s philosophy seeks to bring humanity towards progress and modernity. This “Science of Man” aimed to move away from the old, overly rational, and superstitious ways
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