Existence and What We Know

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Do we exist or is this life just an elaborate dream. Descartes indeed lay the groundwork for very deep thought. His first philosophy poses the question how and what can be known. I have often pondered this question. As a Christian I know that life is given to live for Christ. Yet, sometimes I wonder if maybe I am simply living a dream and the trials I face are simply some way for God to mold my soul into its potential. Descartes delves into the methods of knowledge. While empirical knowledge is what the world often relies on to determine things, Descartes states that these methods alone are unreliable. The physical realm could possibly be a simple dream. Second Meditation goes further. It is not good enough to simply take science, art, and other physical pursuits at face value. It is mankind's ability to think that makes brings the revelation of existence to fruition.

Kant goes a step further. The majority of mankind is content to stay within their "nonage", allowing others to do the thinking. The "enlightened" however, push the envelope by daring to know more. Kant states "This enlightenment requires nothing but freedom... freedom to make public use of one's reason in all matters." The greatest enemy to enlightenment are those leaders and rulers who would deny freedom to people in order to retain control. By questioning the world around us and seeking higher knowledge, we empower ourselves to rise above ignorance. What I get from this is that we must question things. We must probe the depths of knowledge to find truth for ourselves.

Side note: God expects us to obey Him. However, he wants us to do it willingly. How can we truly believe and appreciate Him without first seeing that what he says is the truth.

I will be commenting on Zelda and Brock's posts.

Comments

  1. Phillip VoSeptember 18, 2017 at 10:39 PM

    I found it interesting (concerning Descartes) that it seemed as though to disprove his previous beliefs he basically took a trip to opposite world, presenting a demon who only deceives, and world that does not exist. I felt as though he hinted at the absurdity of this belief, considering his being and life experience, but rather he used it as a way to formulate a better process for analyzation and though within the world. So at the same time that he abandoned his old thoughts, he held dear to them. If that makes sense.

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  2. Trey NorthcuttSeptember 18, 2017 at 10:54 PM

    I think it's so cool that Kant's essay can be read as a response to Descartes's questioning and doubts. Though the nonage is not emphasized heavily, there is some definite subtext. Thinking about the time period this was written, it almost makes sense that Kant would take a slight jab at organized religion. Tangent aside, our free will that God gives us also makes us naturally question the world around us. Obviously, we do not have all the answers, but Kant makes a good point that we should be able to question our authority and get the answers we so desire.

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