Descartes Second Meditation Argument

In Meditations of First Philosophy, Descartes explains philosophical meditations written over six days. The Second Meditation concerns the nature of the human mind. Descartes argues that the human mind is better known than the body. A major claim of his is his most famous quote “I think, therefore I am,” meaning a thinking thing, such as himself, can exist. In this essay, I will prove that Descartes’ argument in the Second Meditation for his existence as a thinking thing is convincing. First, I will summarize the background of the Second Meditation that Descartes uses to explain his claim. Second, I will express my opinions concerning why Descartes’ argument is convincing. Third, I will make known an objection to Descartes’ claim, and then argue why is it incorrect.
Descartes begins his Second Meditation by saying yesterday’s meditation, which is the First Meditation, has left him doubting his beliefs. He decides to dump everything he thought was true and start over. Everything he admits has the least bit of doubt should be declared as completely false. If there is someone who instills thoughts in him, who thought of someone instilling thoughts in him? He wonders if he is the author of these thoughts. Descartes also persuaded himself there was nothing in the world, including the sky, the earth, minds, bodies, and even …show more content…
It can also be cognizant of bodily things, such as seeing, hearing, and feeling. Although he can do all of these things, Descartes decides they are only true when he is awake, and false when he is asleep. Sensing and thinking are one and the same. He finds it odd that bodily things are more distinctly known than the “I”, even though he knows he exists. Descartes realizes what is happening, and lets his mind “wander” and doesn’t confine it to limits. He gives it free rein so that when he “pulls in the reins”, the mind can be controlled more