God and the external world
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Question
Why does Descartes prove God?
Answer
The cogito proves only his mind; a non-deceiving God is needed to rule out the demon and restore the world.
Question
The trademark (causal) argument?
Answer
My idea of a perfect being is too great for imperfect me to have made, so a perfect being (God) must have caused it.
Question
Why 'trademark'?
Answer
The idea of perfection is stamped in us by our maker, like a craftsman's mark on their work.
Question
How does God restore the world?
Answer
A perfect God won't deceive, so my strong natural belief that an external world exists can't be a lie.
Question
Clear and distinct ideas?
Answer
Ideas so sharp I can't doubt them while attending to them — a non-deceiving God guarantees they're true.
Question
A perfect God and deception?
Answer
Deceiving is a defect, and God is all-good, so God is no deceiver — the key premise for the rebuild.
Question
Descartes' rebuild in order?
Answer
Cogito → God exists → God is no deceiver → clear ideas are true → the external world is real.
Question
The Cartesian circle looming (Go further)?
Answer
He uses clear ideas to prove God, then uses God to guarantee clear ideas — the system's biggest objection.
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Topic 10.3 hub
Meditations on First Philosophy — Descartes
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