Philosophy Skepticism And Empiricism Questions Long
Cartesian skepticism, also known as Cartesian doubt, is a philosophical position developed by René Descartes, a 17th-century French philosopher. It is a form of radical skepticism that challenges the possibility of certain knowledge by questioning the reliability of our senses and the external world.
Descartes begins his skeptical inquiry by doubting everything he has previously believed to be true. He argues that our senses can deceive us, as they can be influenced by illusions, dreams, or hallucinations. For example, we may perceive a stick as bent when it is partially submerged in water, even though we know it is actually straight. This raises doubts about the accuracy of our sensory experiences and the trustworthiness of our perceptions.
Furthermore, Descartes introduces the concept of the "evil demon" or the "deceiving god" as a hypothetical entity that could manipulate our senses and deceive us about the nature of reality. This skeptical scenario suggests that even our most basic beliefs about the external world, such as the existence of physical objects or other people, could be illusory.
Descartes' skepticism extends to the realm of knowledge itself. He argues that if there is any possibility of doubt in a belief, then it cannot be considered certain knowledge. This leads him to adopt a method of radical doubt, where he systematically questions all his beliefs until he reaches a foundation of indubitable knowledge.
However, Descartes finds one belief that resists doubt: the existence of his own thinking mind. He famously formulates the cogito ergo sum, or "I think, therefore I am," as the foundation of his knowledge. Descartes argues that even if an evil demon were deceiving him about the external world, he cannot doubt the fact that he is doubting, thinking, or existing as a conscious being.
While Descartes' skepticism challenges the possibility of certain knowledge, it also serves as a starting point for his philosophical project. By establishing the existence of his thinking mind, Descartes aims to rebuild knowledge on a firm foundation. He develops a rationalist epistemology, emphasizing the role of reason and innate ideas in acquiring knowledge.
In conclusion, Cartesian skepticism challenges knowledge by casting doubt on the reliability of our senses and the external world. It raises questions about the possibility of certain knowledge and forces us to critically examine our beliefs. Descartes' skepticism serves as a starting point for his philosophical inquiry, leading him to develop a rationalist approach to knowledge.