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Descartes and Wittgenstein, 2005.
Examines relativism in language games through the philosophy of Renee Descartes and Ludwig Wittgenstein.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
In this paper, it is shown that the ever-changing cycle of language over a variety of cultures present relativism as the main argument for language games in the work of Wittgenstein and Descartes. Invariably both philosophers agree on relativism as a basis for understanding language, but differ greatly on how to perceive meaning. The paper shows that although Descartes presents reasoning as the key aspect of language that imparts greater status to human beings, he cannot provide any real hard evidence to decry the ostensive nature of words that Wittgenstein imparts on language.
From the Paper
"This philosophical study will examine the relativism that resides in language games that are discusses in the writings of Ludwig Wittgenstein and Renee Descartes. By analyzing the various elements of Wittgenstein's "ostensive' relativistic approach to word meaning in language, one can realize how this compares to Descartes' relativism in declining real meaning at all in language games. In essence, one can compare and contrast the relativism associated with language games within the philosophical concepts brought forth by these philosophers. Ludwig Wittgenstein evaluates language through the concept of "ostensive" approaches to language. This form of relativism defines language as a meaning that is defined by a certain culture or belief, which cannot truly verify meaning through societal and ethnic bias."
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Rene Descartes, 2005.
An analysis of the contribution of Rene Descartes's work on the history of philosophy.
3,012 words (approx. 12.0 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 88.95
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Abstract
This paper provides an overview of Descartes's life and works. It focuses on an analysis of the "Discourse on Method" and the ?I think, therefore I am? statement.
Outline
Descartes?s Background
Descartes?s Philosophical System
Descartes?s Discourse on Method
Descartes?s Method Regarding Knowledge
Descartes?s Influence on Philosophy
Descartes?s Influence on Enlightenment
Works Consulted
From the Paper
"Rene Descartes is widely recognized as the father of modern philosophy. Also known as Renatus Cartesius (a latinization of his name), Descartes was a 17th century French scientist, mathematician and philosopher. His importance in the history of philosophy is so great because he was among the first to oppose scholastic Aristotleianism, which had influenced European philosophy and culture during a period of almost a thousand years. A French gentleman who signed himself ?Lord of Perron? and who lived twenty years of his life (the most productive ones) in the tolerable and hospitable Dutch republic, Descartes remains a crucial figure in the history of philosophy."
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Descartes and Dreams, 2008.
A discussion of Descartes' position on the dream debate.
2,170 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Descartes' exploration of the nature of the relationship between the dream world and the physical world which we collectively regard as 'real'. The paper points out that his contributions to philosophical discourse were often informed by the thinker's experiences while he slept and that these experiences prompted him to a systematic approach to establishing an understanding of that which is rationally true, while rejecting all notions merely assumed to be true. By casting doubt and applying testing methods to assumed facts, Descartes sought to provide a living framework entirely governed by empiricism. Such a doctrine inclined Descartes to conclude that man could not accept himself to be capable of distinguishing between his experiences as he dreams and those which he has while awake. However, the paper concludes that, upon more speculative investigation, it is evident that Descartes' arguments are damaged by empirical scrutiny regarding the consistent distinctions between dream and waking experiences. Though the doubt which he casts on our assumptions of reality is informative to the pursuit of truth, Descartes ultimately fails to remove from the waking life its purpose or relevance as a real forum for inheriting the experiences which accompany us while we dream.
From the Paper
"This brings to bear two important points in Descartes' argument over dreams. It is first crucial to note that he characterizes the objects and devices which appear in his dreams as fabrications of his mind. This differs from a conventional perspective that these dream apparitions are integrated into the dream by the mind but are truly only reflections of the mind's endeavors in the corporeal. A second and consequent point which Descartes enters into the discourse is that the prospect of the mind behaving in such a fabricating manner during dream-states is proof that it is subject to such behavior during the waking state as well. All that we perceive while in this state, presumptively imagined to be the 'real' forum for the fulfillment of our lives, is channeled through the mind. It is therein that a human creates forms, applies meanings to them and offers the body commands for interacting with these forms. These processes, Descartes evaluates, are all internal and, with the invocation of empirical limitation, must be seen as made feasible only by the dimensional perceptiveness of the human mind."
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On the Nature of the Supreme Deity - Descartes and Hume, 1990.
Review of the arguments of Descartes and Hume for the existence of God. Descartes' argument from definition and Humes' teleological argument (argument from design) are examined.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 2 sources, $ 55.95
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From the Paper
"Rene Descartes, in his work, The Meditations on First Philosophy (1953) ed., and David Hume, in his work, An Inquiry Concerning Human Understanding (1955 ed.), both argue for the existence of a supreme deity. Descartes believes that the deity is a perfect being living in the consciousness of men. Indeed, his God represents the supreme consciousness or all.knowing mind. David Hume sees proof for the existence of God in the perfect and complex order of nature. Thus, the primary difference between the two philosophers concerns where they seek their evidence for the existence of the Deity. Descartes seeks God within man or through internal evidence. Whereas Hume seeks evidence for God's existence through external observations of the world around us. Although to some degree Hume also accepts Descartes' hypothesis that God must exist as long on as man carries awareness of him in his"
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Descartes: A Thinking Thing, 2005.
An analysis of Descartes statement that he is a "thinking thing".
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 0 sources, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how in "Meditation II" Rene Descartes states that he is a "thinking thing" (Descartes 16-18). It analyzes what Descartes meant by this statement and how it has worked into Descartes other meditations on truth, reality and existence.
From the Paper
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Descartes and 'I', 2007.
An analysis of Rene Descartes' approach to the knowledge of the 'I'.
1,660 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Descartes' procedure towards the knowledge of the 'I' is extraordinary in that to discover the fundamental principles of philosophy, Descartes skillfully evoked a radical philosophical and scientific method of doubt, classically referred to as hyperbolic doubt. The paper contends that what is radical about Descartes' method of doubt is that it refuses to accept the knowledge and authority of previous philosophers as well as the obviousness of his reasons and senses. For Descartes, anything that could be doubted must be rejected.
From the Paper
"Descartes fantastically opens his Meditations by stating his desire to have only true beliefs. In applying the method of hyperbolic doubt, Descartes is following rules set out by himself into exploration of mathematics and philosophy in Discourse on the Method of Rightly Conducting the Reason, and Searching for Truth in the Sciences. Descartes started his line of reasoning by doubting everything, so as to assess the world from a fresh perspective, clear of any preconceived notions. Descartes' ultimate aims however are constructive. Unlike common sceptics who doubt purely for the sake of doubting, Descartes aims to reach certainty-to cast aside the "loose earth and sand so as to come upon solid rock" ( Discourse 3, 6:28,29). Descartes' philosophical method was also intended to be a method for science."
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Rene Descartes, 2004.
An overview of the ideas and theories of the philosopher, Rene Descartes.
1,787 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
In attempting to connect philosophy and theology, Rene Descartes made certain novel assumptions that, at the outset, would appear to contradict themselves. He believed that only the physical world could be proved according to mathematical evidence, yet, stated that the very existence or presence of an idea of a perfect God in the mind already suggests His reality and existence. The paper discusses Descartes's views that, in the act of perceiving reality, the human soul goes through activities, such as understanding, conceiving, doubting, affirming, denying, willing, refusing, imagining, feeling, and desiring. These activities share the common quality of deliberate thought or perception. The paper explains Descartes's idea that thought, then, is the essential attribute of the soul.
Paper Outline
Introduction
Rationale for the Choice of the Philosophy
Historical Background
Strong Points
Weak Points
Applicability of Descartes?s Philosophy
Summary
Quotes
Bibliography
From the Paper
"It is however, disastrous to accept Descartes? concept of passions as animal spirits circulated by the blood and originating from our pineal gland. If they were inherently physiological, then we need not worry about being responsible for our deliberate acts. There will cease to be any difference between what is right and what is wrong. Civilization will collapse and life itself will vanish from the planet. We should not blame the bleakness or dignity of human existence to the pineal gland."
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Descartes, 2002.
A discussion of Rene Descartes' attempts to prove the existence of God.
1,310 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes Rene Descartes' works, Meditations I, II and III, illustrating his arguments proving the existence of God. The paper outlines Descartes' use of a circular argument, using the existence of God as a basis for proving that his clear and distinct ideas result from the existence and nature of God as non-treacherous. The paper discusses Descartes' arguments, presenting their failure in proving God's existence.
From the Paper
"In Meditations III, Rene Descartes attempts to prove in the existence of God. In essence, Descartes argues that God exists because his mind can conceive of God. There are numerous reasons that Descartes? proof for the existence of God fails. First, Descartes uses a circular argument, using the existence of God as a basis for proving that his clear and distinct ideas result from the existence and nature of God as non-treacherous. In addition, Descartes never considers that a truly benign and good God could conceivably mislead humans if there were some aspect of the world too horrific for them to know."
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Descartes' Method of Doubt, 2005.
This paper discusses Rene Descartes' use of doubt as a way of finding certainty as presented in his first and second meditations.
980 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that, in his first and second meditations, Descartes began to doubt everything from what he saw to what he touched, believing God was not a god at all but a demon whose sole purpose was to deceive him. The author points out that, in the beginning, Descartes says that just because a person originally sees something that looks familiar, it is automatically associated with another mental image he or she has stored away in your memory. The paper concludes that, at the end of the second meditation, Descartes is certain that physical objects are grasped by understanding alone, not senses or mental images.
From the Paper
"He begins to focus on physical objects, saying that although they can be altered, they still remain the same original object. Using wax as an example, he places it in front of the fire. This leads the wax changing its smell of flowers from where it was gathered, taste, shape, and color, and it becomes difficult to touch due to its heat. Before it was placed by the fire, it was cold, hard, and easy to touch. Descartes is certain that it is the same piece of wax, for he observed the change. Although it is different in every aspect of his senses, it is still the same piece of wax."
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Descartes' "Trademark Argument", 2005.
This paper analyzes, in terms of soundness and validity, Descartes' "Trademark Argument", which attempts to prove the existence of God.
1,340 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 0 sources, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that Descartes' "Trademark Argument" can only be a sound argument if all the premises are true leading to a true conclusion; thereby, all the premises must be 100% true and there is no argument within an argument. The author points out that there is a problem in the first premise because Descartes says he has this idea of a perfect being but he doesn't mention anything else besides the fact that he has this idea of something perfect. The paper contends that Descartes' actually trying to prove that there is a God is just ridiculous because the author feels that God's existence is supposed to be based on a belief system; there are many religions held by many types of people in the world, and every religion seems to have their own God and own story behind how the world became into existence.
From the Paper
"The first thing Descartes said in his argument was, "I have an idea of a perfect being." Well his perfect being he is referring to is supposed to be God. Since Descartes' whole goal of this argument is to prove the existence of God, this was probably a good start to the argument. He kept it simple, and short without too many details. Once he had this idea, he probably might have been thinking how this idea came to him, which brings up the next premise in his argument."
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God in Descartes's Philosophy, 2005.
An analysis of the role played by God in Rene Descartes's philosophy.
784 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Rene Descartes's demonstration of God's existence. The paper contends that Descartes's skepticism and doubt should extend to an examination of whether or not God exists, but should not be regarded as the violation of taboos. The paper presents Descartes's ideas as a positive contribution to our knowledge and understanding of who we are and where we came from.
From the Paper
"Descartes was a skeptic and is skepticism lies at the heart of his philosophy. Unlike us, he doubted, proved and then believed and never just accepted. It is thus that he refused to accept the existence of God as an issue of faith but set out to either prove, or disprove God's existence as he did regarding his own in the Second Meditation. Many have objected to, many object and many more will continue to express their disapproval of Descartes' skeptical doubts, especially as regards the existence of God. However, should we focus on that, considering that it is an especially sensitive topic with many, and were we both bold and objective, we would admit that there should be no taboos in the search for truth. If God exists, it can be proven through logic, providing people with solid foundations upon which to establish their beliefs. If God does not exist, however, and our belief in this existence is based upon weak grounds, then that too will be proven, giving people the opportunity to reevaluate their worldviews and redefining them according to objective knowledge rather than possibly distorted perceptions and misconceptions."
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Rene Descartes, 2005.
This paper discusses the Wax Argument of Rene Descartes.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper argue that Descartes' argument of the mind having ascendancy over the body is correct from a scientific point of view. The author points out that the mind is made up of electrical impulses and energy is essentially infinite. The paper agrees with Descartes ultimate conclusion although some of Descartes methods for arriving at that conclusion are not considered valid.
From the Paper
"In this essay, I argue that Descartes' argument of the mind having ascendancy over the body is correct. Speaking strictly from a scientific point of view, of course, Descartes is correct. The body is flesh, and therefore finite. The mind, however, is made up of electrical impulses and energy is essentially infinite. Therefore, long after the body has gone the impulses that made up the mind will have converted into another form of energy and still exist in our world's system."
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Plato, Descartes and Kant, 2004.
An analysis of the philosophical styles of Plato, Descartes and Kant.
1,230 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper compares the philosophical views of some of the greatest philosophers of all times, Plato, Descartes and Kant. The paper explains the Plato/Socratic approach to philosophy that reveals the limitations of philosophy as a rigorous science but maintains the belief that some things are knowable and valuable. The paper claims that in stark contrast to this method is Rene Descartes, who holds that philosophy can be attacked in a manner analogous to mathematics and like mathematics, definite and undeniable solutions can be derived. The paper contends that Kant's ideas are similar to those of Descartes.
From the Paper
"Many great thinkers, both modern and ancient, have sought to attain some understanding of the world and the things within it by using the tool of philosophy. Just as they have differed in their views concerning morality and justice, they have also differed in specifically how far philosophy itself can take us. These varying beliefs-namely, philosophers' perspectives on philosophy-tell us a great deal about the most centrally held premises from which all of their arguments spring forth. The Plato/Socratic approach to philosophy reveals the limitations of philosophy as a rigorous science but maintains the belief that some things are knowable and valuable. Standing in stark contrast to this method is Rene Descartes, who holds that philosophy can be attacked in a manner analogous to mathematics; and like mathematics, definite and undeniable solutions can be derived."
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Renee Descartes and the Mind-Body Problem, 2002.
Explores Renee Descartes' views on the relationship between the mind and the body.
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at Renee Descartes' approach to the question, is mind the same thing as body and if yes, how and if no, why not? It summarizes the arguments Descartes presented in support of his views and offers opposing opinions to each of Descartes' arguments.
From the Paper
"The discussion over the relationship between mind and body that has been intriguing philosophers for a long time is divided into two broad categories: dualism and monism. According to dualism mind and body are two separate substances. There are several types of dualist views including parallelism, epiphenomenalism, occassionalism and interactionism. John Locke and Rene Descartes are among those who laid the foundation of this idea. Whereas Locke and Descartes believed in Dualism, there were other famous philosophers and thinkers who supported monism. Monism refers to the theory that mind and body are inseparable and thus one is influenced by the other."
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Mind and Body Belief of Descartes, 2002.
An overview of Descartes' beliefs on the interaction of the mind and body.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 3 sources, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper addresses the mind-body problem and Descartes. Descartes claimed that the pineal glad was the interface between the mind and the rest of the brain. Perhaps the most popular view about the relationship between mind and body is the belief that mind and the body are two separate entities.
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