Descartes’ Special Causal Principle Essays - 2201 Words

Descartes’ Special Causal Principle In his Meditations, Rene Descartes attempts to uncover certain truths about existence. In his Third Meditation, he establishes his special causal principle (SCP). Descartes uses this principle to explore the origin of ideas, and to prove the existence of God. I agree that there is much logic to be found in the SCP, but I disagree with Descartes method of proving Gods existence, and in this essay I will explain why. I will begin by explaining the SCP, and will then demonstrate how Descartes applies this principle to prove that God exists. I will then present my critique of the SCP, and expose the flaws in both of Descartes proofs with regards to the principle. A conclusion will then†¦show more content†¦Newtons laws of motion dictate that an object remains inert unless it is acted upon by some force. It follows that the effect of that force cannot be greater than the force itself. For example, a boy scout cannot derive more heat from a campfire than the actual tempera ture of the fire itself. As far as physical objects go, Descartes is making a completely logical argument. At this point, we must remember that Descartes is still dealing with the metaphysical. He has yet to prove that anything in the physical world exists. Descartes avoids this trap by formulating that the SCP not only applies to physical objects, but also to ideas. By applying the SCP to his ideas (which exist metaphysically), Descartes is providing himself with his sole criteria to judge between true existence and existence that is merely perceived. In order to show that ideas are subject to the SCP, Descartes points out a difference between formal and objective reality. Objective reality is the reality presented in a picture or idea, whereas formal reality exists in the object of the picture or the idea. Objective reality is reflectional whereas formal reality is actual. There cannot be more objective reality than actual reality, otherwise the surplus reality must derive from nothing, which is impossible. Once this is established, Descartes furthers his premise though the exte nsion of theShow MoreRelatedDescartes Argument For God s Existence Of God Essay1103 Words   |  5 Pagespaper, I offer a reconstruction of Descartes argument for God’s existence in the Third Meditation. Descartes tries to prove the existence of God with an argument that proceeds from the clear and distinct idea of an infinite being to the existence of himself. He believes that his clear and distinct idea of an infinite being with infinite â€Å"objective reality† leads to the occurrence of the â€Å"Special Causal Principle†. I will start by discussing and analyzing Descartes clear and distinct idea of an infiniteRead MoreDescartes : The Existence Of God1682 Words   |  7 Pages Descartes’ attempt to prove the existence of God begins with the Trademark argument. 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