Introduction
It is important to note that the question of self and one’s inner subjective experience is among the most challenging questions in philosophy. Descartes, in his meditations, addresses the core concepts of God, self, and doubt. By the philosopher’s thoughts and conclusions, “I” is separate from the external world. Its existence is substantiated by the presence of thinking consciousness hosting a wide range of ideas, the source, and content of which prove the existence of God.
Main body
One of the core concepts of Descartes’s view of “I” is based on the notion of representationalism, which claims that the external world is only perceived indirectly. “I” is a collection of ideas representing innate and external ideas and things. No external element originates from the mind itself but is rather represented through an idea in the mind. Therefore, the representing idea might not always be an accurate representation of the external thing, which is why the philosopher states: “senses are sometimes deceptive…still there are many other matters concerning which one simply cannot doubt” (Descartes, 1641).
Considering the fact that human perception is deceptive and untrustworthy, they do not define the “I.” It is stated: “I am a true thing and am truly existing; but what kind of thing? I have said it already: a thinking thing” (Descartes, 1641). In other words, “I” is a process of thinking and existing, which constitutes consciousness, and thus, it is not defined by deceptive perceptions and ideas representing the external world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “I” is consciousness and awareness, which is capable of imagining and sensing, which can be deceptive and unreliable. However, the only truth is the fact that “I” is consciously thinking and existing, which means that such a state originated from somewhere, and since there is an idea of perfection in an imperfect mind, the creator must be God.
Reference
Descartes, R. (1641). Meditations on First Philosophy.