Descartes

What is Descartes’ method of doubt

He doubts everything (his senses, the world, even himself) to find one thing that can’t be doubted

What truth does Descartes find that can’t be doubed?

“I think, therefore I am” — if he’s thinking, he must exist

What is descartes’ argument for the existence of God?

He can think of a perfect being (God), and a truly perfect being must exist — because existence is part of perfection

What does the wax example show?

The mind understands things better than the senses — the wax stays the same even when it changes form

What are Descarte’s two types of substance?

Mind (thinking) and body (physical); the mind is more independent and can influence the body