What Is The Influence Of Descartes Meditations On First Philosophy

How would you even begin a review of arguably the most important work, and thinker, responsible for the turn in Modern European Philosophy? Perhaps by acknowledging that Descartes is important, not for what he “thought” was “indubitable,” but for the dialogue he started about what he necessarily conceived, as such, being demonstrably wrong. I think that is a fair statement, and I have no intention of expounding upon that for this review. My intent is not to abuse or discredit him, but instead, to elucidate the imperative role that the Meditations on First Philosophy play in all conversation about philosophy. Appropriately, the starting point of reading this book should be an understanding of what came before Descartes. Moreover, some familiarity with his Discourse on Methods might shine some light on the errors that were not repeated by Descartes in the Meditations. The background that forms both of these important works is Descartes taking the “Copernican Revolution” to heart. Descartes endeavored to know what is real, and what is not. Descartes assumed that if he could come up with a reason for doubting something, he would. It is important distinction to recognize that Descartes is not doubting everything; a common misconception, which should be easily cleared up by reading …show more content…
Is there something he declared earlier in the meditation, to be clear and distinct - which may have not met his own criteria for truth - that makes this argument work? (4) Consider the ontological proof of God's existence provided in the “Fifth Meditation.” Like that of the previous causal argument, does this proof only work, because Descartes has assumed something earlier? Further, look closely on what the foundation of the argument relies upon? Could it be that Descartes has committed the fallacy of circulus in probando? Take your time and consider these simple