Understanding the Self- a Comparison of Descartes and...

Descartes and Augustine, in their respective examinations of the mind and God, come to the conclusion that the true understanding of all things derives from the withdrawal of the self from foreign influence and the necessity to look inward. Although each thinker’s journey or course of understanding was different, and at times rather contrasting, their ultimate realizations about knowledge are very coherent. Doubt is one of the primary focuses and a central aspect in examining the self for both Descartes and Augustine that stems from mistrust in the senses. The difference between these philosophers is the extent to which they believe removal from the senses is necessary. Descartes is more of a radical in this aspect as he feels that all†¦show more content†¦It is important to note that Descartes was influenced in several aspects of his philosophy by studying Augustine himself and this could explain why Descartes was able to come to the realization quicker. For Augustine, the journey is complete when turns to himself in search for understanding and answers, rather than the transient things around him, like the death of his close from in Book IV of The Confessions. Descartes understands that because he has the ability to think and doubt he exists, he has the ability to reason regardless of any physical influence. Augustine has a similar understanding in relation to God which resul ts in his ultimate conversion and understanding of himself and God. Augustine and Descartes seek to explain and recognize the existence of God by understanding and acknowledging themselves as finite beings. They would both agree that in order to understand God, one must first understand what it means exist. This can only be achieved by examining the self. Descartes reasons that humans are certainly not infinite and perfect, so where else could the idea of infinite and perfect come from other than some thing that possesses those qualities; God. The aspect that Augustine and Descartes are most coherent is their ability to understand the existence of God by understandingShow MoreRelatedProposed Seven Philosophers On The Existence Of God And Their Development Of These Ideas1413 Words   |  6 Pageschoice topic. The seven philosophers are as follows: (1) Socrates, (2) Plato, (3) Aristotle, (4) Francis Bacon, (5) St. Augustine, (6) Thomas Aquinas, and (7) Rene DesCartes. The specific three I want to focus on being; St. Augustine, Thomas Aquinas and Rene Descartes. Lastly, I will proceed to relate their ideas on the existence of God and their development of these ideas. St. Augustine s epistemology is rationalization. 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