Descartes’ Cogito: The Philosophy of Self and Certainty
Kryztoff BFL
René Descartes and the Profound Implications of Cogito
René Descartes, a prominent 17th-century philosopher, is best known for his iconic statement, “I think, therefore I am” (in Latin, “Cogito, ergo sum”). This simple yet profound declaration has left an indelible mark on the landscape of philosophy, igniting discussions on the foundations of knowledge, self-awareness, and certainty. In this exploration, we will embark on a journey into the world of Descartes and the profound implications of his Cogito.
Descartes’ Epistemological Revolution
Descartes’ philosophical journey began with a radical pursuit of certainty in a world fraught with doubt and skepticism. He was dissatisfied with the uncertain knowledge derived from sensory experiences, which often deceived the human mind. In his quest for unshakable certainty, Descartes engaged in methodical doubt, systematically doubting everything he could doubt, even the existence of the external world. This skeptical exercise led him to the realization that while everything might be doubted, the act of doubt itself was undeniable. Thus, the foundation of his philosophy was born: “I think, therefore I am.” This statement served as an unassailable…
