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Hume and Descartes? Concept of Self, 2002.
A comparison of the concept of self as seen by David Hume and Rene Descartes.
4,395 words (approx. 17.6 pages), 16 sources, $ 115.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces the notion of 'self' as presented by David Hume (1711-76) and contrasts it with the model by Descartes (1596-1650). In order to understand Humes' theory of self, his theory of knowledge is explored as well. Descartes's view on the duality of mind and body is then examined. The topic of identity is then explored with Hume's and Descartes' views evaluated within this discussion.
From the Paper
"To understand Hume?s conception of self, a little delving into his concept of theory of knowledge will be necessary. Hume concluded from his reasoning that no theory of reality is possible. In ?Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding? he classifies, after Locke, the objects of awareness into ?ideas? and ?impressions.? Ideas are derived from impressions. Impressions are derived form sense perceptions, or from internal consciousness. A word that does not directly stand for an impression has meaning only if it brings before the mind an object that can be gathered from an impression through sense perception or internal consciousness, and thus he dismisses the existence of content beyond the realm of experience.
All objects of awareness are either relations of ideas or matters of fact. Logical relations can be detected between ideas by rationality. Matters of facts cannot be demonstrated, except at the level of mathematics. If a rose is red, it is just a matter of fact; there is no logic within it. It could well have been blue or green. Hume then discusses the following questions regarding causal inference: from what impressions is it derived and what is its nature."
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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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Hume and the Concept of Utility, 1983.
This paper discusses David Hume's concept of utility, which describes the development of a general concept of justice that is rooted in the relative equity between members of a society.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, $ 47.95
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From the Paper
"The concept of utility, as developed by David Hume in An Enquiry Concerning the Principals of Morals, is about the evolution of a general concept of justice, based on the relative equity that does (or should) exist between members of society. The concept of justice is only one facet that arises out of Hume's idea of utility. In short, what Hume is alluding to, is a kind of societal muscle that comes into use out of need, and becomes strong through use.
Hume starts with a very simple concept, the idea that justice as we have come to recognize it, is not a function of one person ... "
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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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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, 2004.
A brief explanation of Descartes's theory of God's existence.
1,107 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a brief overview of Descartes's theories of how man exists and how man's existence proves God's existence. The writer makes reference to "An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding", by David Hume, in which he seeks to undermine and correct the views that Descartes seems to advance in his proof of God.
From the Paper
"This critique of the basic understanding that most people have of cause and effect is absolutely a terminal blow in relation to Descartes proof of God, because Descartes entire proof rests upon the assumption that there is a direct link between causes and effects. Indeed, he presume the notions that effects precede from causes and that the causes have the exact same amount of reality as the effects. Once Hume has dealt this death-blow to the entire notion of cause and effect the entire rest of Descartes argument falls to pieces, because cause and effect is the very basic principle upon which all of Descartes subsequent proof is predicated."
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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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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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Rene Descartes and the Certainty of Mind, 2008.
A look at the argument of the certainty of the mind over external physicality in Rene Descartes' "Meditations on First Philosophy".
938 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the greater certainty of mind over the physical external world in the philosophy of Rene Descartes. It discusses how by understanding the origins of thought in the mind, the presence of external objects are only perceived through this organ of the human body. It looks at how therefore, Descartes viewed the external world as unknowable by the mind because he viewed the human conscious as an internal and separate distinction from reality. In essence, the paper shows how Descartes provides a philosophical argument that provides a greater certainty of the mind over the external physical world in his "Meditations on First Philosophy. "
From the Paper
"This describes the inherent sense of unknowing that pertains to understanding the physical body that the unreasoning human mind cannot grasp on its own. Descartes uses the example of the human body to determine the nature of the external world outside of the mind to logically deduce that the mind is a limited tool for discerning what is real and what is not. This provides the premise that although Descartes is able to feel and know the human body, the whimsical nature of the human mind often prevents logical reasoning to bring light to external realities. "
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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: Three Doubts, 2005.
An analysis of skepticism in Rene Descartes's philosophy.
832 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Rene Descartes's three skeptical doubts and the importance of skepticism in his philosophy. The paper explains that the exercise of skepticism is the backbone of Descartes's philosophical approach and is the defining element of his meditations, insofar as they revolve around the identification and examination of three doubts: the doubt in his own existence, the reality of God, and the existence of the outside world. The importance and implications of these doubts are discussed in the paper in the hope of illustrating that, if we want to arrive at certain knowledge and objective truth, we should begin, as Descartes did, by doubting.
From the Paper
"Descartes' third doubt is a natural extension of the first two and particularly interesting insofar as its conclusion is predetermined by the ones arrived at earlier. Quite simply stated, we know that we exist because we are thinking beings and ultimately, conclude that God exists because we have exercised our thinking abilities. However, the outside world is primarily communicated to us as an entity through multiple perceptions and perceptions, in themselves, cannot be accepted as certitudes insofar as they may be misled by the Evil Demon. Nevertheless, the proof for the existence of the external may ultimately emerge from our knowledge of it. Knowledge, insofar as it had earlier been defined by Descartes as indubitable and a product of good God, cannot, therefore be deceiving. Hence, the outside world exists."
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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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