Can Descartes challenge of skepticism succeed if he did not use the ontological theory as part of his reasoning?
To analyze whether Descartes' challenge of skepticism can succeed without his use of the ontological theory, we need to understand the key elements of his argument.
Descartes aims to establish a foundation for certain knowledge by doubting all beliefs and seeking indubitable truths. He engages in a process of radical doubt, considering the possibility that all his beliefs might be false. However, he finds that even in the process of doubting, he cannot doubt his own existence as a thinking being. This leads him to his famous statement: "Cogito, ergo sum" or "I think, therefore I am." This argument is often referred to as the Cogito or the Cartesian foundational argument.
It is important to note that Descartes provides several variations of the Cogito argument throughout his works and does not solely rely on the ontological theory. The ontological theory, which he uses later in his Meditations, asserts the existence of a supremely perfect being (God) as a guarantee for the reliability of clear and distinct ideas.
Now, to consider whether Descartes' challenge of skepticism can succeed without the ontological theory, we must examine the strengths and weaknesses of the Cogito argument itself. The Cogito argument focuses primarily on establishing the certainty of one's existence as a thinking thing. It provides a foundation upon which Descartes builds further arguments, including the existence of God, external world, and the reliability of clear and distinct ideas.
Without the ontological theory, the challenge of skepticism can still succeed to some extent. The Cogito argument, independent of the ontological argument, demonstrates that there is at least one indubitable truth: the existence of the thinking subject. Descartes argues that any belief or perception can be doubted, but the very act of doubting requires a thinking entity. Therefore, even if we doubt everything, we cannot doubt our own existence as doubting beings. This establishes a firm foundation upon which Descartes can later build his arguments.
However, it is essential to recognize that the ontological argument strengthens Descartes' overall position. By introducing the idea of a perfect and non-deceptive being (God), Descartes tries to address the skeptical challenge more comprehensively. He argues that God's existence guarantees the reliability of clear and distinct ideas, providing a basis for knowledge about the external world and the truth of mathematics and logic.
In conclusion, while Descartes' challenge of skepticism relies on the Cogito argument as its foundation, the inclusion of the ontological theory enhances the overall strength of his position. Without the ontological argument, the challenge of skepticism can still succeed to some extent by establishing the certainty of one's existence as a thinking being. However, the ontological argument provides additional support for Descartes' broader claims and addresses skepticism more comprehensively.