How to Know One Exists - Essay Example

?6 pages source – Harvard Introduction The question of whether we truly exist is one which has led to philosophies that ponder the ideology of how much one exists, if they do. The concept of “I think therefore I am” from the Cogito by Descarte’s is one of the leading philosophies that questions our existence. This philosophy creates the assumption that we think we exist only because it is thought. Despite this speculation, there is proof that each individual exists. The proof is with the physical, mental and characteristic attributes that one has throughout their life and continues to carry. The idea of existence is therefore one which is complete truth and is not questioned with the skepticism of one not existing. Conviction of Existence The first concept that Descarte’s points out is that one exists only because they believe they exist. He states: “But I have convinced myself that there is absolutely nothing in the world, no sky, no earth, no mind, no bodies. Does it not follow that I, too, do not exist? No. If I convinced myself of something [or thought anything at all], than I certainly existed” (Descartes, 1984: 16). The main point that Descartes shows is based first on the assumption that the physical does not truly exist. Instead, the things which are seen are from the mind. The existence that one creates is also from the mind and alters according to one’s perception as opposed to true existence. The idea of existence therefore comes from the thought that one exists and is convinced that they are real, as opposed to being a figment of one’s imagination. This particular concept is further pointed out by Descartes with the belief that one is only able to exist because this is what they perceive. If one no longer believes that they exist, then they are unable to truly create an existence and will believe they are wrong in defining their own ability to live and exist. Even though there is truth that one exists to their own perception, this limits and causes questions relating to existence. If one only exists in the mind, then it causes invalidation that existence also is created externally. There is a perception of a physical reality which one experiences on a daily basis. There is also the experience of relationships to others, beliefs which are created and knowledge that is established while one is in existence. If one did not exist, then there would have to be millions of people that would have to discount events happening at the same time within a physical reality. For instance, if there are hundreds of students at a library and someone comes in shouting, each individual would have to state that this environment and physical reality were not real. The shouting and being in the reality was a perception of existence that one believed in and didn’t happen. However, there is a physical reality, response to the senses and relationships that show that this existence did really happen. This justifies that each individual exists in a physical reality outside of the mind. The perception of how one exists comes from belief; however, there is physical proof as well as thought processes that justify that each individual truly exists. The Instantiation Principle The concept of existence in reality and the physical mind is further questioned with Descarte’s belief in the instantiation principle. In this particular principle, there is the understanding that the individual only exists from the first person point of view. This is based on self – evidence which is created from the belief that one exists. When one thinks he exists, then he has to exist because his mental state creates this belief system. However, the belief is only to justify existence and doesn’t necessarily create a sense of justification. One is only able to state they exist through personal belief. There is no direct relation to one existing through science, math or self – evidence which is made apparent through different ideologies. The thought then becomes the only existence while all else is only a reflection of what one wants to believe (Descartes, 1984: 16). The concept of self – thought and self – expression being only a reflection of belief is partly true. Each individual carries beliefs and perceptions throughout their life about their character, perceptions and the environment which is around them. There are also changes with the beliefs and one’s perceptions through time depending on the circumstances. However, the beliefs and perceptions doesn’t equate to one existing or only believing in existence. There is also proof that one exists. It is noted that each individual has a physical and biological component. Even if there is no existence, there is still a physical being that is present. The mathematical element combines with this, specifically with the functions in biology and the connections which are made. The existence is further proven by how the mind works and the physical association with this. There are direct responses through biological factors, such as nerves, hormones and other associations which prove existence. There is proof that these change according to various external elements, physical presence and beliefs which one has. This relates specifically to the functions of the mind and characteristics which carry. However, this does not equate to one existing or not, it is simply a change in beliefs that one carries. The concept of being present and having this as existence is able to move even further with the understanding that beliefs and characteristics are a part of existence. When looking at the science of psychology and sociology, there is an understanding that existence and belief systems make the character of an individual. For instance, if an individual is in a situation or environment that causes a specific response, then it changes the way of thinking and beliefs which one has. An example is if one is in a family. The family may change perceptions about religion, beliefs or achievements in life. This is a part of the existence which one has. However, it doesn’t make the belief system that one is a part of it creates the characteristics that one has in life and how they respond to situations. This relates to the psychology of how one thinks, as opposed to being their true existence. Instead of equating to existence, this develops the way which individuals think about and perceive the environment that is around them. Thinking and Existence An argument which Descartes points out is based on the idea of thinking building to creation and existence. If the thought process comes first, then it is this that brings us into the “I am” or the existence which is created. Without this, there is the inability to exist and one would not be able to function. This particular issue is one which Descartes furthers with the ideology of thoughts that lead to events. When one thinks, they are able to create the events. Without this, there is the inability to create, be or exist. The events, actions, characters and other concepts are then linked directly to one creating thought in order to exist. Without thought, there is the in ability to exist or create a reality which one is able to develop with thought processes. This ideology relates to the capacity of thought building one’s existence. The thinking which one has then becomes the important link of whether one is able to exist or not. Without this, one is unable to build a presence and is non – existent within their perspective and in reality. This particular ideology is one which doesn’t equate to one’s existence. Similar to the other gaps in Descarte’s Cogito, there is proof of one’s existence. If one takes out the physical presence, relationships to others and attributes and characteristics that are noted in actions, then there is still existence. For an individual to exist, they have to have thought first. Without thought, one can not think that they exist or not. Therefore, one exists because of the ability to think that one exists. The ability to build beliefs, create a presence of “I think therefore I am” and to establish beliefs around this build an understanding that one exists. It is not just the thought of existence. It is the understanding that one has to exist in order to think that one exists. The result is that the thoughts lead to actions which one establishes and expands on in order to create the necessary beliefs. If one is able to think, then there is proof that one exists. This particular concept is furthered with the understanding that one has to think in order to establish the “I” within their life. One is not able to have the “I’ presence unless they understand what this means. This relates to the instance of a child before they learn to speak. The child knows they exist. They are in a physical reality and cry, laugh and respond to situations accordingly. However, there is no presence of the “I” until they are taught what this means. This shows that they exist before they understand the meaning of thinking and the “I think therefore I am” concept. To state that this individual doesn’t exist would be denial of the physical reality, responses from the character and mental state and the overall responses which one is led to. Establishing the “I’ that one carries then has to link to the understanding that one already knows they exist and has accepted the thought processes that come with belief systems which are established. Since thinking is established through time, one is seen as existing before the ability to think and establishing the understanding of what “I” is defined as. Conclusion The concept of Descarte’s and the “I think, therefore I am” is one which challenges the idea of existence and what this means. While there are some principles and logic with this, specifically with beliefs and perspectives, it is a limited viewpoint of how one exists. The physical reality, relationships to others, ability to think and other aspects show that one exists. The thinking process that one has is only one of the links to proof that one exists, followed by the different thoughts, actions and scenarios that further one’s existence. This is furthered with the building of belief systems that equate not only to one’s existence but also to other attributes that are based on this existence. The ideology of existing then moves into the ability to note the ways in which one exists, as opposed to limiting this to whether one thinks they exist or not. Through looking at Descarte’s argument, one can find that they truly exist, not only because there is the ability to think this, but also because there is direct proof through thought and action to show that one truly exists. References Descartes, R. 1984. Meditations on First Philosophy: The Philosophical Writings of Descartes. (UK: Cambridge University Press). Read More