Scepticism entails the view of not accepting what the society holds as true. Descartes tells the readers that Skepticism does not mark the end of asking questions or trying to find out the true nature of things and issues. Descartes posits that the devil demon cannot outrightly inform the people that the distinct, bright, and innate ideas which they firmly hold as valid and binding from God as false. Moreover, Descartes states that people cannot rule the absence of the devil demon when God comes in. Further, Descartes says that it is impossible that the origin of deceit and doubt cannot emanate from God; there must be a more powerful agent responsible for manipulating the people who firmly believe in God to start thinking otherwise. In this context, Descartes wants to use doubt to build long-lasting foundations. He holds that for a person to create something substantial, the belief in collective opinions must end, the natural assumptions must be challenged by doubt to come up with something better.
2. Descartes edifice
Descartes uses a series of short autobiographical sketches intertwined with philosophical postulations to build his structure. The edifice consists of the following parts in advancing philosophical views:
First, various considerations on sciences: here, Descartes hold that people have a right sense through their capacity to differentiate between truth and fiction. Moreover, he states that it is not the absence of ability which hampers people, but the failure to follow the correct thought process. Secondly, the stove-heated cubicle: this concept entails the perspective that individual works are better than the ones advanced by committees. Descartes defended this view that one person follows a single plan with all the efforts and elements directed to a common end. From this perspective, Descartes suggested that the science he learned as a young man is faulty because it was a combination of the ideas of many people. Thirdly, Descartes moral code to guide his behavior and thought process, the code entails: (i) to respect and obey the customs of his religion and country and avoid extreme opinions. (ii) Decisiveness and sticking to his resolutions even though he doubts some. (iii) Work hard not to change the world, but him. (iv) Evaluation of all the professions of the world and determine which is the best among all. Fourthly, proofs to the existence of God and of the soul. Fifthly, discussion on theories of human anatomy and light. Here he postulates that animals have similar body organs as humans, but they cannot think.
Criticism of Descartes’ scepticism
The criticism in this context is on the existence of an evil demon whose sole purpose is to deceive men. Postulating that such being exists is to make a big unsubstantiated claim. As usual, such statements need strong back-ups to gain authenticity. Without valid supporting accounts, it is difficult to accept such a stand.
Conclusion
I finalize the paper by giving my opinion. The evidence which Descartes offers readers on the premise of doubting everything is not sufficient. It is irrational to question even what one is 100% sure. From this statement, it is reasonable to say that it is factual that Descartes’ work is tremendous, but it does not offer sufficient evidence to believe his philosophy.
