René Descartes took on the idea of skepticism, which is when people doubt what they know. He suggested that we can find knowledge based on what he called "clear and distinct perceptions."
These are ideas or truths that are so obvious that we can’t question them. They form a strong base for what we know. In his famous book, "Meditations on First Philosophy," Descartes said, "I think, therefore I am." This means that just being aware of our own thoughts proves that we exist.
Descartes understood that skepticism can make us doubt the world around us and what we see or feel. But he believed that even if our senses can fool us sometimes, clear and distinct perceptions come from our ability to think.
These thoughts are clear and easy to understand, which makes them a solid foundation for real knowledge.
To explore this idea, Descartes used a method called radical doubt. This means he questioned everything he believed until he found something he couldn't doubt. He realized that just thinking about something shows that there is a thinker behind those thoughts. This leads to the conclusion that clear and distinct perceptions can be trusted as real knowledge.
So, Descartes offers a strong response to skepticism. He says that when we have a clear and distinct perception of something, we can believe it is true. He shows us a way to find certainty in what we know. He believes that understanding through rational thought is more reliable than just trusting our senses, which changed the way many people think in Western philosophy.
René Descartes took on the idea of skepticism, which is when people doubt what they know. He suggested that we can find knowledge based on what he called "clear and distinct perceptions."
These are ideas or truths that are so obvious that we can’t question them. They form a strong base for what we know. In his famous book, "Meditations on First Philosophy," Descartes said, "I think, therefore I am." This means that just being aware of our own thoughts proves that we exist.
Descartes understood that skepticism can make us doubt the world around us and what we see or feel. But he believed that even if our senses can fool us sometimes, clear and distinct perceptions come from our ability to think.
These thoughts are clear and easy to understand, which makes them a solid foundation for real knowledge.
To explore this idea, Descartes used a method called radical doubt. This means he questioned everything he believed until he found something he couldn't doubt. He realized that just thinking about something shows that there is a thinker behind those thoughts. This leads to the conclusion that clear and distinct perceptions can be trusted as real knowledge.
So, Descartes offers a strong response to skepticism. He says that when we have a clear and distinct perception of something, we can believe it is true. He shows us a way to find certainty in what we know. He believes that understanding through rational thought is more reliable than just trusting our senses, which changed the way many people think in Western philosophy.