Descartes Concept of Self Described in Meditations

Table of Contents

Introduction
The Core Argument
Possible Objections
Rebuttal
Conclusion
Work Cited

Introduction

Descartes is correct that the essential self as a thinking entity is central to ones consciousness, unlike the self as a material entity.

The Core Argument

Descartes concept of self revolves around the idea of the dualism of mind and body. In other words, the body and its physical attributes are separate from the unseen mind or soul. These two entities are distinct substances, and the mind has a prevalence over the body. Ones essential self is their thinking entity rather than a material one. In his Meditations on First Philosophy, Descartes used wax as an example of defining the self (32). Namely, he explained that one could perceive it as wax through intellectual processes. Therefore, self is not defined by senses but rather by thinking, which is central to ones existence. According to Descartes, thinking refers to being conscious of ones self. Descartes attempted to define and understand the intellectual process to answer the fundamental questions.

Descartes view of self was radical because he believed that it can either be considered as a body or as a mind. Furthermore, he argued that one exists when thinking which emphasizes the importance of cognitive functions in Descartes view of self. The abilities to analyze, explore, experiment, and think are critical in his theory. In this regard, Descartes promoted learning through questioning everything and re-evaluating the established beliefs. Seeking truth through thinking supports his idea of the mind being central to the essential self.

Possible Objections

The arguments presented by Descartes have been questioned by many people. One common objection to his ideas is the problem of mind and body dualism. Some can be skeptical about the possibility of the distinct existence of the mind and body. Furthermore, even if it is possible for the self to be either a thinking or a physical entity, what is the purpose of such a distinction? There is no evidence that the human being can exist as the thinking entity without its physical form.

Rebuttal

Indeed, the mind and body are two integral parts of human existence, and there is not enough evidence for the possibility of the separate existence of the essential thinking self without its physical aspect. However, people might not yet have the ability to do so. At the same time, there are instances of the body existing and performing its functions without the real presence of the mind, such as unconscious or comatose states. Similarly, the thinking abilities of people with mental illnesses are affected, which does not necessarily impact their physical entity. In turn, their ability to differentiate between the real and surreal can be compromised. Such examples support Descartes idea of the dualism of the mind and body since if the body can be central to ones existence in certain cases, the opposite might be possible even if it is beyond peoples understanding.

Conclusion

To conclude, Descartes idea that the essential self as thinking entity is central to ones consciousness unlike the self as material entity is correct and can be supported by arguments. In this regard, ones self involves two dimensions: the mind and the body. At the same time, the thinking entity is essential to the self because the intellectual process is central to ones existence, according to Descartes principles. The concept of consciousness supports the idea that the mind is distinct from the body and, in most cases, superior.