Topic > Descartes" "Six Meditations

Descartes, an intelligent and multi-talented man, believed that knowledge came from the mind and that through self-reflection one could acquire and develop more knowledge. Through Descartes' journey to gain more knowledge, Descartes wrote his Six Meditations. Within these six meditations, He forms a solid foundation upon which to rest His reasoning as He believes that with a stable foundation, knowledge can grow and be built upon. Descartes formed the basis of what modern philosophy is today. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay In Meditation 1, Descartes introduces the use of skepticism in his writings. Descartes begins to form the basis of his thoughts using the method of doubt. He uses this method to cast doubt on all his beliefs by including "matters that are not entirely certain and indubitable as opposed to those that seem to me manifestly false", and rejecting them if he suspects there is even a shred of doubt. (Descartes, page 6). After Descartes finishes discarding beliefs that he believes are filled with doubt, he begins to build his foundation with true knowledge. Through the exploration of his internal senses and his self-doubts, Descartes reveals that there is a possibility that perhaps he is dreaming. This leads to the point that a person may have difficulty distinguishing reality from dream. Speaking of reality and dreams, Descartes says: “How many times have I dreamed at night that I was in this particular place, that I was dressed and sitting by the fire, while in reality I was lying naked in bed! At this moment it really seems to me that I am looking at this paper with my eyes awake; that this head I move does not sleep, that it is deliberately and with a specific purpose that I stretch out my hand and perceive it; what happens in sleep does not appear as clear nor as distinct as all this” (Descartes, page 7). Remember: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay While you doubt everything about his beliefs, Descartes ultimately doubts what he believes about God. He presents his beliefs about God as he uses skepticism by introducing the idea of ​​God as a powerful deceiver. “I suppose therefore, not that God, who is supremely good and the source of truth, but some evil genius no less powerful than deceitful, has employed all his energies in deceiving me” (Descartes, page 8). While discussing the idea that God is a deceiver, Descartes presents the idea that God is actually a mischievous demon whose intention is to deceive and deceive Descartes and his beliefs..