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Rene Descartes, 2006.
Explores if Rene Descartes would view psychology as a science.
910 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Rene Descartes, a 17th century Renaissance philosopher and scientist, was considered a rationalist. The author points out that he derived scientific methods using specific rules about the study of knowledge instead of trusting human senses as being capable of determining truth alone. The paper contends that, although Descartes is credited as being the father of psychology among many other sciences, he would not have viewed psychology as a true science because of its reliance on human senses for observation and its attempts to study the mind, an object that is not tangible according to Descartes.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Descartes History
Descartes' Beliefs
Descartes' Education
Descartes' View on Science and Psychology
Descartes' Methods of Science
Descartes and Psychology
Psychology is not a Science for Descartes
From the Paper
"It is easy to see how Descartes methods apply well to sciences such as Physics or Chemistry, but it is much more difficult to apply such methods to the science of Psychology. Descartes believed in the separation of the mind from the body, and he believed that the possession of a mind is what set humans apart from all other animals. It is his work on the mind and the central nervous system that usually gives him credit as being the father of Psychology, but Psychology is the study of the mind and of behaviour, and Descartes would not agree with the former."
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The Philosophy of St. Bonaventure and Renee Descartes, 2004.
Compares and contrasts the beliefs of God in St. Bonaventure and Renee Descartes
965 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper explains the basic differences between St. Bonaventure's and Renee Descartes's concept of God, describes what may have influenced their thinking and why, and highlights the main points of their beliefs about God.
From the Paper
"Descartes derived almost polar opposite conclusions based on his observation of the world. Of course, Descartes was living in a much more rational age than Bonaventure. He was, timewise, more removed from both the Greeks and the early Christians, and took logic for granted, as well as embracing mathematics, which had been shown to be very reliable. In fact, in Descartes? time, mathematics was the only discipline capable of producing visibly constant results. So it isn?t surprising that he would base a philosophy on mathematical/scientific concepts."
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John Locke and Renee Descartes, 2004.
A comparison of the philosophies of John Locke and Renee Descartes.
815 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper presents an examination of the foundation of life as developed by two famous philosophers. John Locke and Renee Descartes both believed they had come up with an understandable and scientific philosophy about the foundation of life. The writer of this paper compares and contrasts those beliefs.
From the Paper
"Throughout history, mankind has tried to develop a philosophy that will explain the existence of life. There have been abstract ideas, concrete ideas, spiritual ideas and others to try and explain the foundation of life in a way that can be understood in future generations. Two of the most scientifically respected men in history worked to develop theories about the foundation of life that could be understood in a scientific manner. John Locke and Renee Descartes are well known for their theories about life. The theories have several similarities as well as several differences. The men made history with their theories about the foundations of life, though Descartes theory seems to be the easiest to understand."
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Rene Descartes' Theory on the Existence of God, 2007.
A review of Rene Descartes' philosophical work, "Meditations."
1,591 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 0 sources, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the 17th-century French philosopher Rene Descartes' work, "Meditations," in which he addresses the question of the existence of God. The writer shows that "Meditations" is a skeptical hypothesis on certain inalienable truths. Descartes strives to prove God's existence and show that God is not a deceiver, and he ultimately concludes with the existence of a non-deceiving God as a perfect and Supreme Being.The writer explains that the only way to support all of Descartes' theories of knowledge was to affirm the existence of an all-loving God; almost everything Descartes claims is dependent on God's existence and his nature as a non-deceiver.
From the Paper
"In the third Meditation, Descartes attempts to prove the existence of God, defined as a being of perfection. God's existence explains causality; as the world exhibits systematic causal sequences, something had to start it all. Descartes' hypothesis begins with the idea of a God who is eternal, infinite, omniscient, omnipotent, and perfect. Descartes believes that these qualities could not have originated from inside him, so God must have given him these ideas. Descartes' argument does not make sense; just because he thinks that God possesses these qualities does not mean that God must possess these qualities. If God causes everything, then what causes God Himself? Is He exempt from this rule? One of the main perfections that Descartes attributes to God is 'self-existence.'"
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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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Renee Descartes' Third Meditation Circular, 2006.
Considers whether Renee Descartes' argument in the "Meditations" is actually an argument for the existence of God.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 0 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Renee Descartes' "Meditations", and explains that within this writing, he justifies his faith in reason by a circuitous route. The paper explains that Descartes accomplishes this by first raising all of the epistemological doubts of skeptics - and then vindicating his faith in reason by advancing an argument for trusting certain aspects of our rationality. In the process, as far as he is concerned, he manages to: ... "tear down everything and begin anew from the foundations [in order to] ... establish ... firm and lasting knowledge". The paper then goes on to argue that contrary to establishing his faith in reason, to a very large extent, the new foundation that Descartes erects, and pins his firm knowledge on, is his certainty of the existence of God.
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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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Who is Rene Descartes?, 2004.
A biographical account of the life of philosopher Renee Descartes and a look at his basic philosophy.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a general biography of Rene Descartes, as well as a basic summary of his philosophical tenets. The paper also discusses Descartes' accomplishments in the field of mathematics as well as philosophy.
From the Paper
"Often considered the father of modern philosophy, Renee Descartes is one of the most influential ground-breaking thinkers in the history of human thought. Indeed his accomplishments go beyond the field of philosophy as he was an elite mathematician who is credited with inventing analytic geometry. However it is Descartes' work in laying the philosophic foundation for modern scientific thought that is his greatest achievement. Descartes' philosophy was deeply rooted in rationalism because he began his inquiry by questioning the very validity of the knowledge that man believes he possesses."
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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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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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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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Influences on Rene Descartes, 2009.
A look at the historical and philosophical influences on Rene Descartes' contributions to rational thought.
1,320 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper examines Descartes' life and thought from the perspective of the historical context in which he lived as well as the philosophical context that gave rise to his unique method. The paper discusses Galileo's harsh treatment by the Church that caused Descartes to be extremely careful not to offend anyone. The paper also looks at how Descartes was affected by the philosophical worldview of Aristotle and the teachings of the Scholastics.
From the Paper
"Like a lot of philosophers both before him and after him, Descartes lived in relative isolation from the pressures of the external world - an isolation that was no doubt self-imposed. For this reason, history did not interfere with Descartes's life in a practical way - although his thinking and the presentation of his ideas were certainly influenced by major events of that era. This is especially true for the debates going on between religion and science during the first half of the seventeenth century - a debate that was difficult for a philosopher to avoid. As Descartes was to emerge as one of the leading figures of the mechanistic science of this era, it is important to note the philosopher's involvement with this struggle."
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Gottfried Leibniz and Rene Descartes, 1995.
This paper compares the views of Gottfried Leibniz and Rene Descartes on God, reality, knowledge, methodology, existence, mathematics and reason.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 2 sources, $ 71.95
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From the Paper
"The issue of how knowledge is possible and what knowledge can be considered true and what false is a key one addressed by both Gottfried Leibniz and Ren? Descartes, and in considering what can be known and what can be assumed to be true, both also address the question of the perfection of God and are faced with the need to deal with this perfection in offering proofs of their respective metaphysical views. Leibniz accepted aspects of the Cartesian system while rejecting certain elements considered to be errors. The main structure, however, was to be adapted by Leibniz with a transcendent god.
Descartes accepted the reality and truths of mathematics and attempted to find that which existed in the world that could be demonstrated with scientific and mathematical certainty. Descartes was seeking absolute certainty."
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Rene Descartes, Rationalism, and Christianity, 2004.
A look at how philosophy fits within the tenets of Christianity.
1,518 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper explains how the philosophy of Renee Descartes and, in particular, Cartesian dualism were accepted into the Christian theological viewpoint through the process of interpretation and integration.
From the Paper
"The problem addressed by philosophy is that man does not know things directly but gains understanding through the impressions (phenomena) of those things. Rationalism is concerned with the impressions made on the intellect, empiricism with those on the senses. Neither is truly able to 'know' the world directly. Rationalists believe that the world can be experienced intuitively through reason, using deductive reasoning to investigate the truth. Deductive arguments move from a generalization a particular claim. It's all very logical. Deductive arguments provide evidence through the auspices of reason."
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"Discourse on Method and Meditations on First Philosophy" by Rene Descartes, 2002.
An analysis of the book outlining the method of hyperbolic doubt and how it changed the relationship between philosophy and theology.
760 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
Descartes aims to define a method of objective thinking by attempting to apply the precision of mathematics to all fields of knowledge. The paper explains that in prescribing this method for reasoning, Descartes laid the foundation for modern day psychology. Having determined a method of arriving at ?true? knowledge, Descartes strives to ?seek answers? to questions pertaining to the very nature of existence. This paper analyzes the book and describes its influence on the world.
From the Paper
"Descartes? Discourse on the ?Method for Conducting One?s Reason Well? is his attempt to apply the precision of mathematics to all fields of knowledge. Descartes? Method involved regarding the value of formal education in largely teaching the languages ??necessary for the understanding of classical texts?? (Part One, p 3), while the pursuit of true knowledge required independent thinking to ??distinguish the true from the false, in order to see my way clearly in my actions?? (Part One, p6)."
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