Descartes/Kant Thoughts

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Descartes' classic existential crisis is always fun to read through, and upon this last reading, it is the this quote that hits me between the eyes: "Then without doubt I exist also if he deceives me, and let him deceive me as much as he will, he can never cause me to be nothing..." Descartes asserts that if he is able to be deceived, he must then exist/ be in existence. So, if nothing else (on a light note), we can be assured in the midst of deception that at least we are able to verify our existence. Just some thoughts for the next time you feel deceived.

 Also, Kant's ideas of enlightenment are amazing. "Dare to know!" is his cry for enlightenment. The statement he makes at the beginning of the second paragraph is my absolute favorite. "Laziness and cowardice are the reasons why such a large part of mankind gladly remain minors all their lives, long after nature has freed them from external guidance." My thoughts on this statement are this: is the American educational system encouraging a lack of enlightenment among our students? Even more so, are we, as students at the University of Mobile being pushed towards or away from enlightenment/ our nonage> (My argument is that it changes based upon department, but for the most part, yes). Anyway, what are your thoughts? Even in addition, is education a sufficient tool to train towards enlightenment or is it a hindrance?
P.S. I commented on Phillip and Ty's posts.

Comments

  1. UnknownSeptember 18, 2017 at 11:56 PM

    I appreciate that my certainty of existence can come from something as tumultuous as that of deception. It is comforting at least one good thing can come out of such a troublesome experience as to be deceived!
    On enlightenment, I appreciate Kant's "gung-ho-ness" towards challenging one's intellect! It is a point many pass over and are okay with nominalism in their thought life. My further question would be what is your definition of education, and would you distinguish it from learning I anyways?

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