Descartes’ Arguments for the Real Distinction of Mind and...

Descartes’ Arguments for the Real Distinction of Mind and Body Descartes argues has three main arguments for minds and bodies being two different distinct types of substance. These are known as arguments for substance dualism and are as follows. * The Argument from doubt : Descartes argues that while he could pretend or think that he had no body and therefore did not exist in any place, he could not think or pretend he had no mind, as merely having a doubt that he had a mind proves that he does. * The Argument from Clear and distinct understanding: Descartes argues that if two things can be separated even if only by god then they must be two different things. Descartes†¦show more content†¦Further more the mere doubt that you exist is proof that you in fact exist as how can you doubt something unless you are existing. â€Å"I assuredly existed, since I was persuaded. But there is I know not what being, who is possessed at once of the highest power and the deepest cunning, who is constantly employing all his ingenuity in deceiving me. Doubtless, then, I exist, since I am deceived; and, let him deceive me as he may, he can never bring it about that I am nothing, so long as I shall be conscious that I am something. So that it must, in fine, be maintained, all things being maturely and carefully considered, that this proposition (pronunciatum ) I am, I exist, is necessarily true† (Descartes Meditations, II, p16,17). Descartess also says that clear perceptio n, clarity and distinctness are present in the cogito, he says that these qualities are essential in being sure of anything. Clearly perceiving something might mean that you think you are sure of it but you could be wrong, Clarity and distinctness of perception means that you recognise the reasons for the claim made by clear perception for what you believe to be true being true, Descartes called this the mark of knowledge. Together the cogito and the mark of knowledge set a firm foundation for all of Descartess conclusions by showing that he and all of us exist and that we can be certain about things weShow MoreRelatedHow Successful Are Descartes Arguments for the Real Distinction of Mind from Body?1659 Words   |  7 PagesHow successful are Descartes arguments for the real distinction of mind from body? Upon which problem would you put the most weight? Descartes says the mind is distinct from the body, or anything physical for that matter. He says, a thinking substance is nonphysical or spiritual in nature (mind), and an extended substance is physical, but not capable of consciousness or thought (body). 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