Abuk Madut

Reflection Assignment
I enjoyed learning about philosophy, and off course enjoy learning about the great ancient
philosophers views on the subject. They each have a unique way of viewing philosophy. As we
all know, philosophy is the study of love for wisdom, and it certainly help us improve with our
critical thinking skill. Yes, the subject might have some twists and turns, questions that need
answers, and proving that God exists. With the help of these great thinks, I now view this subject
I would have to say; my favorite philosopher from these great thinkers would be Descartes. I
admire his work and the areas he touched in his field of studies. He certainly helped me think
deeper into the things we over look when it comes to nature, ourselves,
Descartes was a mathematician, philosopher, and a writer who spent his life travelling
through Europe. He was considered by many as the father of modern philosophy. Hes also
referred to as the first philosopher to use reasons to explore the natural sciences and philosophy.
Descartes was dissatisfied with the philosophy of his time, he wanted to have a fresh
start. Descartes wanted something firm, certain and unshakable belief to start with. He knew that
it must be at least one thing that we are certain of, something we cannot doubt. Which boils to
down to his famous quote I think, therefore I am which simply means that we are alive and
thinking so therefore, we exist. Descartes arguments about existence is that even if he doubts all
things in the world, he cannot doubt himself, he cannot doubt his existence. He identifies himself
with the mind, and came with a conclusion that he is a thinking thing. As he went ahead and
stated in his famous passage in the second meditation, I am, I exist- that is certain. But for how
long? For as long as I am thinking. I am, then, in the strict sense only a thing that thinks; that is, I
am a mind, or intelligence, or intellect or reason. But for all that, I am a thing which is real and
which truly exists. But what kind of a thing? As I have just said a thinking thing. This
particular part from Descartes work, (I feel personally) is very interesting and very deep. It made
question what are we exactly? Do we identify ourselves as minds? Or souls? Is the earth we live
in, doesnt really exist and that all we see is just our imagination? Are we really just dreaming
and that one day well wake up and none of this will be real? Very interesting indeed. It seems as
though reality only exists in our minds. I think Descartes Meditations on First Philosophy is quite
interesting, I was very confused at first, especially on the cogito. But as I keep reading, I was
able to understand this concept. Some might not agree with the cogito, and some might find it
interesting, I simply find his way of approaching philosophy unique and it definitely put my
mind to work.