Modality in Descartes’s Philosophy by Alan Nelson

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Table of Contents

The Circular Argumentation of Descartes
Thesis Defense
Work Cited

Human beings have had numerous questions concerning the existence of God for many years. Although many philosophers have explored the idea of the existence of God, Descartes presents more definite arguments than other philosophers. The concept of the existence of God is based on beliefs and less questioning of the existence of God. Although Descartes uses circularity in his thinking and argument about the existence of God, his ideas can be termed sensible. Therefore, there is no problem with Descartes using the circularity way of reasoning because he backs up his reasoning with tangible evidence that can easily be understood and proven by people.

The Circular Argumentation of Descartes

Descartes uses a circular way of thinking and proving his ideas and way of thinking concerning the existence of God. For instance, he claims that whatever he perceives as clear and distinct must be true because it is beyond human ability. Therefore, something beyond human ability must be controlled by a supernatural power that a mere human thinking ability cannot conceptualize (Nelson 358-360). According to Descartes, the ability to think clearly and distinctly comes from God. However, the clarity and distinctiveness of thinking and perceiving issues is a power that comes from a supernatural power. However, Descartes begins his arguments by acknowledging his power to clarity and distinctiveness without recognizing the giver of the clarity and distinctiveness powers. He only recognizes God at the end of his argument. According to Descartes, a human being should merely believe that God exists without question. Nevertheless, humans should rely on God to receive the power to trust that he exists.

Thesis Defense

The Argument Lacks a Problem

There is no problem with Descartes’ use of circular thinking because another superior being must control the existence of life. Although God is an afterthought in Descartes’ arguments, it is appropriate to acknowledge and give examples that prove the existence of God. Descartes explores some of the things that surpass human ability. For instance, the power to sustain life is beyond human ability (Nelson 360). The argument on the power to sustain life is proof that God exists, and that should be clear and distinct from the thinking of a human being. Descartes does not give conclusive proof to this argument but asserts in his earlier arguments that whatever is clear and distinct should be considered trustworthy. He keeps proving his ideas and arguments with the assertion of clarity and distinctiveness and does not raise any unique proof of them.

Probable Objections

The most profound objection to Descartes’ arguments is the failure to recognize God’s power and base all his arguments on it. Instead, he recognizes his abilities first, and God only comes as an afterthought. Failure to recognize God first and his powers in order to prove the existence of other things affects the reliability of Descartes’ arguments. The proposition of clarity and distinctiveness cannot exist on their own but must exist on power above them. Therefore, the power above the proposition of clarity and distinctiveness must be recognized first to bring out the idea of trusting them.

Descartes’s Replies to the above Objections

Descartes believes that human error and failures result from making assumptions and decisions on issues that do not have clarity and distinctiveness. Descartes believes that if human beings rely on making assumptions and decisions on clear and distinct ideas, human errors would be resolved. Human beings derail in their daily engagements because they fail to follow the propositions of clarity and distinctiveness that characterize the nature of God. Just as human beings believe in the existence of God because of his clear deeds, the same power to conceptualize ideal clarity and distinctiveness should guide our thinking and execution of duties.

Work Cited

Nelson, Alan. “Modality in Descartes’s philosophy.” The Routledge Handbook of Modality. Routledge, 2020. 355-363.

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Modality in Descartes’s Philosophy by Alan Nelson

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