Descartes Cogito Ergo Sum And Ontological Arguments

In this paper I intend to show that Descartes’ cogito ergo sum and ontological arguments both rely on the method of doubt and follow from the premise that essence implies existence. The cogito ergo sum is different from the latter one, however, from the fact that it did not contain the premise regarding the cause and effect of an idea having objective reality. The main problem with this argument is that while essence and existence were said to be inseparable, it does not happen to be the case. First of all, Descartes’ cogito ergo sum rests on the method of doubt, and it’s only true because it appears to him as most clear and distinct, and thus cannot be doubted. He said that, â€Å"What of thinking? I find here that thought is an attribute that belongs to me; it alone cannot be separated from me† . So what Descartes is saying here seems to mean that thinking is a quality that he possesses, and that he cannot exist without having this quality, which means t hinking is what justifies his being at this moment. He adds that, â€Å"I am, however, a real thing and really exist; but what thing? I have answered: a thing which thinks†. I take this to mean that the essence Descartes suggests here is him being a thinking thing. He is sure that he is a thinking thing because when he thinks that he is a thinking thing, it is impossible to say that he is not thinking, which is an attribute he claims to be a part of him in the beginning. The idea of this essence is pushed further in his waxShow MoreRelatedRene Descartes Ontological Argument957 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"Cogito ergo sum† (â€Å"I think, therefore, I am†) (Descartes, Miller, Miller, 1983). Renà © Descartes was a philosopher of the 17th century who made major contributions to the field. 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