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Chapter 5 Discussion Question

Chapter 5 Discussion Question

Q In his second Meditation, Descartes argues that even if he doubts everything he has ever known, the very process of doubting proves his existence as a thinking thing. How does Descartes arrive at his famous conclusion "I think therefore I am"? Do you think Descartes is correct to believe that he can be certain of his own existence? Why or why not? Please remember that you are required to submit two posts to this forum: one post answering the question and one post responding to the post of another student in the class.

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1. Descartes arrives to his famous conclusion by comparing the "real" awake life with that of a dream. He explains that there are dreams that can deceive our senses. Although a dream feels real, Descartes explains that himself in the dream does not appear so clear and distinct as he does in "real" awake life. Therefore, he reaches a conclusive doubt. He doubts his physical existence as being true and real. He doubts his body parts, head, hands, feet, and his entire surroundings. He states that there is an evil out there whose entire purpose is to deceive us into thinking that everything that surrounds us is real, including ourself. However, he then realizes he does not believe that anything is real and that thought saddens him.