Two Proof of God Existence - Paper Example

Introduction

Descartes introduces the first proof of Gods presence in the third meditation. He based the evidence on his basic adequacy standard concerning the cause of effects. According to the rule, every effect exists to have a purpose, and the objects possess reality as much as the effect. The reason why he applies this principle was to track the ideas. Descartes in his philosophy emphasized that the ideas connect to the mind than to the world since there exist the following types of reality (Borghini). Firstly, objective truth- this is a particular idea represents a thing. Secondly, formal reality- this is an actual reality that a thing contains. For instance, the physical existence of an apple includes a precise fact in the world. He argues that for an idea to be caused, the reason should have much official reality the same as the plans have objective existence. Substances have some affection in this world and the real affections can either be modes or attributes.

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The attributes include; Omni-generic and primary. Modes are said to be associated with primary characteristics since they are a modification of these attributes. Substances are real than methods since content causes another element can produce latter and substance, but arrangements cannot provide a material (Prado 126). For instance, a plank of wood is a finite substance, and it is caused by a tree which in reality is more real; however, wood cannot be created by modes. In this case, Descartes stands for a finite substance and can produce ideas of other patterns and elements. In spite of Descartes being a restricted substance, he was able to have a sense of God who is infinite substance. It was possible because Descartes does not bring out the idea of God but a real endless essence causes the concept thus God exist (Detlefsen 132).

The second proof of God existence is drawn from Descartes fifth meditation. He builds the evidence by coming to his assumption that in whatever he distinctly and perceives is true "God promises the perceptions the truth since he is not a deceiver." God possesses all perfection thus giving a bright idea of God. Moreover, as Descartes gives an example of a triangle, he states that imagining God as imperfect is the same as conceiving a triangle that has less or more side. Therefore, God existence is one of his primary attributes. The question to ask is how the two proofs different from each other? The first proof regards the relationship between modes and substances which is logical reasoning and therefore brings a conclusion that is true God exists. The second proof relies on the hypothesis that distinct and clear perceptions are usually accurate and the truth is given and guaranteed by God (Griffin 23). The second proof also relies on the established evidence of God existence.

The fourth mediation aims at establishing God is not a deceiver. Descartes was trying to satisfy that human make mistakes. He argues that deceive is a clear indication of malice or weakness which is being done willingly by a human. While God possess perfections since He is the creator of every living thing and their judgment is in His hand. God created a human who has an infallible faculty of experience, and this explains that human is full of errors. Descartes argued that human is a finite substance that is they are vulnerable to failure since they lack perfection in any way. Humans are finite thus their knowledge and understanding are limited in the world. On the contrary, the human faculty will is unlimited; therefore they have the freedom to make a judgment as well as to make the desirable choice.

Human error is evident when they go beyond their limits and when their judgment is based on their understanding and level of knowledge. Whereas the correct interpretation should be built on distinct and clear perception since the perceptions and truthfulness is given and guaranteed by God who is un-deceiver. In the fourth meditation, Descartes concluded there no relation between God nature of being a perfect and human error, but he argues that God is perfect since he the creator of humans who have sinful nature thus an error can be caused by a human through their mistakes

Descartes does not satisfy enough when arguing that a human has errors and mistakes since being created by a perfect God, but he provides other arguments concerning the issue. In this argument, he indicates that human imperfection does not signify God's fault but means Gods creation have to be seen as a whole, not just some modes and substances. Therefore, he concludes by indicating humans' seem to be imperfect because of their own mistakes but in God creation, they are essential beings to the universe. Descartes stated that a steering wheel is entirely defective as independent but to the whole vehicle is an important part (Borghini). This argument gives a satisfactory by showing how god is perfect despite creating a faulty human.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Descartes' argument is convincing that the God is perfect in spite of creating deceiving human. Human is imperfect since they are vulnerable to error and mistakes, but are still useful and vital in God's creation because one organ in the body can be useless on its own but when together they comprise a useful and complete collection.

Work Cited

Borghini, Andrea. "Did Descartes Prove God's Existence?" ThoughtCo, 29 Apr. 2012, www.thoughtco.com/descartes-3-proofs-of-gods-existence-2670585. Accessed 20 July 2018

Detlefsen, Karen, ed. Descartes' Meditations: a critical guide. Cambridge University Press, 2013.

Griffin, Michael V. Leibniz, God, and necessity. Cambridge University Press, 2013.

Prado, Carlos Gonzalez. Starting with Descartes. A&C Black, 2009.