Cogito, ergo sum

Philosophical statement by René Descartes

Cogito, ergo sum (Latin: "I think, therefore I am") is a philosophical statement that was made by René Descartes in his Discourse on the Method (1637) as a fundamental element in his philosophy. This proposition became a foundational element in Western philosophy, as it purported to form a secure foundation for knowledge in the face of radical doubt.

Origin and Meaning

The phrase "Cogito, ergo sum" is found in Part IV of Descartes' Discourse on the Method. Descartes sought to doubt everything that could possibly be doubted, in order to arrive at a fundamental truth that was absolutely certain. He realized that while he could doubt the existence of the physical world, his own body, and even the existence of a deity, he could not doubt the existence of his own mind. The very act of doubting required a thinking entity, and thus, he concluded, "I think, therefore I am."

Philosophical Context

Descartes' statement is a cornerstone of rationalism, a school of thought which asserts that reason is the primary source of knowledge and truth. This contrasts with empiricism, which holds that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience. Descartes' method of doubt and his emphasis on the certainty of self-awareness laid the groundwork for modern epistemology and metaphysics.

Criticism and Influence

The cogito has been subject to various interpretations and criticisms. David Hume, an empiricist philosopher, argued that the self is nothing but a bundle of perceptions, and thus, the certainty of the self's existence is not as clear-cut as Descartes claimed. Immanuel Kant also critiqued Descartes, suggesting that the cogito presupposes the existence of a unified self, which is not necessarily evident.

Despite these criticisms, "Cogito, ergo sum" has had a profound influence on subsequent philosophical thought. It has been referenced and debated in the works of many philosophers, including Jean-Paul Sartre, who expanded on the concept in his existentialist philosophy.

Legacy

The cogito has become one of the most famous and enduring statements in philosophy. It is often cited as a fundamental element of modern philosophy and has influenced various fields, including psychology, cognitive science, and artificial intelligence.

See also

• Cartesian doubt
• Dualism (philosophy of mind)
• Existentialism
• Rationalism
• Skepticism