A Quick Review on Meditations on First Philosophy

Rene Descartes is the author of the book "Meditations on First Philosophy: In Which
the Existence of God and The Real Distinction of Mind and Body are Demonstrated."

There are six meditations which were discussed in the book.

First Meditation

"Your senses can deceive you." This is the main point in the first meditation
wherein it figures out how information with the use of senses can sometimes mislead
you to achieving facts.

During this stage of meditation, the author taught to himself that he is irate,
dreaming, or even tricked by a demon. Hence, he contemplated in order to fight such
way of thinking.

Second Meditation

The focus of the second meditation is representation. Theoretically, it is termed

as "representationalism." There were five steps incorporated in the said theory
wherein it conveys detachment of the world from one's mind.

The said theory led to the idea that the awareness of a human being to his
environment implies his own existence.

Third Meditation

On the third meditation, the author's focal point involves the three basic types of
ideas (1) Volition or Desire; (2) Feelings or Affections; and (3) Judgment.

Volition is defined as the ability for you to choose and decide mindfully. On the
other hand, feeling is described as occurrence of sentimental and emotional state.
Alternatively, judgment is a condition where an individual forms an opinion after
contemplation.

Fourth Meditation

Knowing the truth and fallacy is the quest which the author undertook on the fourth
meditation. He also cited that the common sources of fault are will and
understanding.

Understanding takes the definition of a state wherein an individual comprehends

thoughts and actions around him. Descartes in his book explained that such
attribute is sometimes presented by God in partial.

Will, on the other hand, is a mental gift wherein an individual choose or decide
towards an action or event. If understanding sometimes come partially as stated by
the author, will can be presented wholly or none at all by the Supreme Being.

Fifth Meditation

The notion of material objects concerns the author on the fifth meditation. He also
stated three arguments under this category such as:

1. God is the definition of a great perfect human being.

2. Faultlessness is an essential part of subsistence.
3. God exists.
Sixth Meditation

In the external environment of one's self and God, there is a possibility that
materials exists. It is like saying that such elements are present and real for the
reason that God is capable of creating them.

During the last meditation, the author arrives at three realities. First, there is
a God who is infinite. Secondly, there is a soul. Thirdly, there are material
elements or things. The second and the third are obtainable, however with limits or
restrictions.
The author also identifies some irregularities in his meditation. He is still
perplexed with why there is a sense in limbs which are surgically removed, or why
there are senses in dreams and dropsy.

To fully understand the writings of Descartes on the said book, it is recommended

that you completely read Meditations on First Philosophy.