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In Discourse on Method it would seem that he indeed does disprove God's existence only to hastily come up with an excuse as to how, despite all the evidence previously provided, that God actually exists. The logical leap to get there as you might find isn't terribly convincing, but convincing enough for the clergy at the time as he was never reprimanded for the work. If you doubt that he disproved God, consider his epitaph: "He who hides well lives well." For someone using reason to disproves God's existence in the time that he lived, this seems especially apt.

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What one thing was impossible for Descartes to doubt?

Descartes found it impossible to doubt his own existence. The reason for this was that he felt that thoughts had to come from himself.


How did Descartes believe people discovered basic truths?

reason


What did Rene descartes emphasize and assert?

"Descartes emphasized the importance of his own mind. He asserted that he would accept only those things that his reason were true." - GLENCOE WORLD HISTORY


Some information about the cotribution of coordinate geometry to mathematics by Rene descartes?

Descartes' theory provided the basis for the calculus of Newton and Leibniz, by applying infinitesimal calculus to the tangent line problem, thus permitting the evolution of that branch of modern mathematics. This appears even more astounding considering that the work was just intended as an example to his Discours de la méthode pour bien conduire sa raison, et chercher la verité dans les sciences (Discourse on the Method to Rightly Conduct the Reason and Search for the Truth in Sciences, better known under the shortened title Discours de la méthode). Descartes' rule of signs is also a commonly used method in modern mathematics to determine possible quantities of positive and negative zeros of a function. Descartes created analytic geometry, and discovered the law of conservation of momentum. He outlined his views on the universe in his Principles of Philosophy. Descartes also made contributions to the field of optics. He showed by using geometric construction and the law of refraction (also known as Descartes' law) that the angular radius of a rainbow is 42 degrees (i.e. the angle subtended at the eye by the edge of the rainbow and the ray passing from the sun through the rainbow's centre is 42°). He also independently discovered the law of reflection, and his essay on optics was the first published mention of this law.[7] One of Descartes most enduring legacies was his development of Cartesian geometry, the algebraic system taught in schools today. He also created exponential notation, indicated by numbers written in what is now referred to as superscript.


Did Rene descartes make smart decisions?

Rene Descartes is often regarded as a pivotal figure in the development of modern philosophy and mathematics, particularly through his method of doubt and emphasis on rationalism. His decision to prioritize reason as the foundation for knowledge led to significant advancements in various fields, including geometry and calculus. However, his dismissal of empirical observation in favor of purely rational thought has faced criticism, particularly from later empiricists. Overall, while not all of his decisions were universally praised, his contributions have had a lasting impact on intellectual history.

Related Questions

What is Descartes' perspective on the existence of objective reality?

Descartes believed in the existence of objective reality, which he argued could be known through reason and clear thinking. He famously stated, "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am), emphasizing the certainty of one's own existence as a thinking being. He believed that through rational inquiry, one could uncover truths about the external world and establish the existence of objective reality.


What one thing was impossible for Descartes to doubt?

Descartes found it impossible to doubt his own existence. The reason for this was that he felt that thoughts had to come from himself.


What role does the concept of the "light of nature" play in Descartes' philosophy?

In Descartes' philosophy, the concept of the "light of nature" refers to innate human reason and understanding that allows us to perceive truth and make rational judgments. Descartes believed that this innate capacity for reason is a reliable guide to knowledge and serves as the foundation for his method of doubt and search for certainty.


What is the difference between Descartes and Hume?

Descartes was a rationalist who believed in the existence of innate ideas and the primacy of reason in understanding the world. Hume, on the other hand, was an empiricist who emphasized the role of sense experience and observation in shaping knowledge. Additionally, Descartes argued for the existence of God and the immortality of the soul, while Hume's philosophy was more skeptical and doubted the possibility of proving such claims.


What were Rene Descartes views on religion?

Rene Descartes believed in the existence of God but also emphasized the importance of reason and critical thinking. He argued that faith should be guided by reason and that individuals should not simply accept established beliefs without questioning them. Descartes saw religion as compatible with his philosophical system, with God serving as the guarantor of truth.


What did Plato and descartes agree on?

Plato and Descartes both believed in the existence of innate ideas—knowledge that is not derived from sense experience but is instead present in the mind from birth. They both also valued reason and believed in the immortality of the soul.


Who taught the importance of reason in his writing?

René Descartes is known for emphasizing the importance of reason in his writing. He is considered the "father of modern philosophy" and a key figure in the development of rationalist philosophy. In his famous phrase "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am), Descartes highlights the role of reason in establishing one's own existence.


Why do we call descartes the father of modern philosophy?

Descartes is considered the father of modern philosophy because of his focus on reason and skepticism, as well as his method of doubt in seeking certainty. His works, such as "Meditations on First Philosophy," laid the foundation for modern philosophical inquiry and shaped the development of Western philosophy.


What are the main differences between Descartes and Spinoza's philosophies?

Descartes and Spinoza had different views on the nature of reality and the existence of God. Descartes believed in the existence of a separate, distinct God and emphasized the importance of individual consciousness and reason. Spinoza, on the other hand, saw God as immanent in the natural world and believed in a pantheistic view of the universe where everything is a part of God. Spinoza also emphasized the interconnectedness of all things and the idea of determinism, while Descartes focused more on the concept of free will.


Does Descartes show we aren't dreaming?

Descartes' philosophy on reality actually shows that we cannot for sure know that we aren' dreaming. In fact, Descartes believed that we are not sure of anything, except for the fact that we exist because we use logic and reason. Sorry that this doesn't answer your question, but the point of this ideology is for others to try to show Descartes how we know FOR CERTAIN that we are not dreaming right now....harder to do than one would think.


Who said that everything else was doubtful until proved by reason?

René Descartes is often associated with the quote "dubito, ergo cogito, ergo sum," which translates to "I doubt, therefore I think, therefore I am." This reflects his belief that one can only trust in their own existence based on the process of reason and doubt.


What was Rene Descartes' major beliefs?

Rene Descartes was a 17th-century French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist known for his dualistic philosophy, which emphasized the separation of mind and body. He believed in the existence of innate ideas and the importance of reason and skepticism in philosophy. Descartes famously declared, "I think, therefore I am," highlighting the centrality of consciousness and self-awareness in his philosophy.