Descartes' Philosophy and Method of Doubt

René Descartes' famous method of doubt, where he deliberately doubted everything that could be doubted in order to discover what could be known with absolute certainty.

The foundational principle of Descartes' method of doubt, stating that we should only accept as true what is clear, distinct, and beyond any doubt.

To attain certainty, Descartes proposed starting with small, carefully reviewed steps, each building upon the previous one, to form a complete chain of reasoning.

The ultimate questions Descartes sought to answer through his method of doubt. These questions concern knowledge, the nature of the universe, and the existence of a benevolent deity.

The concept that the answers to fundamental questions in philosophy, particularly about knowledge, influence the answers to other related questions.

Descartes aimed to challenge the dominant Aristotelian view of the universe, which was taught within the Church.

The process of acquiring knowledge through careful, systematic reasoning and a foundation of certainty.

The impact of Descartes' work on the course of philosophy, earning him the title 'father of modern philosophy'.

A philosophical method that emphasizes systematic doubt to arrive at certain knowledge. It involves questioning and challenging all beliefs until they are undeniably true.

A philosophical argument, such as the one offered by Descartes, that attempts to prove the existence of God based solely on reasoning and the nature of God's perfection.

The idea that something exists necessarily, meaning its existence is guaranteed by its nature and not contingent on any external factors.

In philosophy, 'substance' refers to the fundamental kind of existing thing, the ultimate building block of reality. Descartes categorized two substances: matter and mind.

Descartes' idea that the essence of matter is its spatial extension, its ability to occupy space, and its characteristics include shape, size, and motion.

Descartes' idea that the essence of mind is thought, encompassing consciousness, awareness, and mental processes.

A crucial philosophical problem concerning the relationship between the immaterial mind and the physical body. How do they interact, and how does the brain give rise to conscious experience?

Descartes' claim that our ability to clearly and distinctly perceive two things as separate entities is sufficient evidence for their actual distinctness.

A philosophical view that maintains that mind and matter are fundamentally different and distinct entities.

The difficulty of explaining how a physical event, like touching a hot stove, can cause a mental event, like feeling pain. It's a central challenge for dualism.

Descartes' initial attempt to explain the mind-body interaction by proposing that the pineal gland in the brain was the site of their interaction.

A solution to the mind-body problem that proposes that mind and matter do not interact directly but are instead coordinated by God's intervention.

Philosophers who advocate for the view that mind and matter do not interact, and their apparent interaction is simply the result of God's hidden action.

A philosophical view that suggests all events, including mental events, are predetermined by a set of laws or a pre-established harmony.

Descartes' view that we can rely on inferences from the contents of our minds to gain knowledge about the external world, as long as we use reason responsibly and recognize our fallible nature.

Descartes' starting point of certainty: even if we doubt everything else, we cannot doubt that we exist.

Descartes' argument that it's impossible to doubt one's own existence because the very act of thinking proves one's existence.

A hypothetical being who deceives us about everything, even simple truths like 1 + 1 = 2.

A belief that is absolutely certain and cannot be doubted, even by a deceiving demon.

A way of using scepticism not to prove that knowledge is impossible, but to establish a foundation for knowledge by identifying what cannot be doubted.

The belief that knowledge is unattainable, due to the limitations of our senses and potential for deception.

Mistakes or errors in judgment that can be traced back to human limitations and choices, not to God's will.

The ability to make choices and decisions independently, a crucial part of being human.

A concept often associated with the idea that humans are inherently flawed due to the fall of Adam, and that our nature makes us prone to mistakes.

The ability of the senses to deceive us, leading to misjudgments and illusions.

Dreams as potential sources of false beliefs, blurring the line between reality and fantasy.

The role of God in Descartes' philosophy, where God is seen as a benevolent creator who does not deceive us unless we misuse our faculties.

The idea that we have faculties given to us by God for acquiring knowledge.

The belief that our mistakes are our own responsibility, not God's.