Descartes's First Meditation: Things That Can Be Called Into Question

Two Guys Searching For Truth On The Road That Never Ends...

If you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things - Rene Descartes In this first episode of our Descartes series, we take a close look at his first meditation. We also look at his dedicatory letter to the Sorbonne, as it provides both questions and insights into possible motives behind the meditations. We consider as Descartes uses his method of doubt to begin to question categories of things, including the senses, which deceive, whether or not we can know we are dreaming, and even basic foundational principles. We will discuss possible solutions to some of the problems he mentions here in future episodes, but his argument is compelling and gave rise to centuries of philosophers, skeptics, and thinkers who took the tools he gave them and constructed ideas we often see around us today. Always feel free to let us know what you think, or any episode requests. We would love to hear from you!