Micro · Individual Stub 1637

Cartesian Doubt and Cogito Ergo Sum

데카르트의 방법적 회의와 코기토

A seminal rationalist epistemological principle establishing that while all sensory perceptions can be systematically doubted, the existence of the doubting thinking subject is undeniable (*Cogito, ergo sum*).

Field Philosophy · Cognitive Science
Level of analysis Micro · Individual
Paradigm Rational Choice Cognitivism
Key figures 👤 René Descartes (르네 데카르트)
Year 1637

Key Claims

René Descartes employed hyperbolic doubt to sweep away uncertain dogmas. Reaching the bedrock proposition Cogito, ergo sum, he established the thinking mind (res cogitans) as fundamentally distinct from the extended mechanical body (res extensa), grounding modern subjectivity.

Further Reading

  • Descartes, R. (1637). Discours de la méthode. (English: Discourse on the Method).
  • Descartes, R. (1641). Meditationes de prima philosophia.

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