The Rationalists: Descartes
God and Error
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
1
Outline
Meditation 4 : Theory of error
Meditation 5:
1. Existence of God – Ontological Argument
2. Cartesian Circle
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
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Meditation 3 – Reminder
The third meditation provides us with:
1. A general rule for finding actual truth : clear and distinct
intuitions
2. Proofs that God exists, in order to secure the persistence of
the truth of clear and distinct intuitions:
(1) From the objective reality of the idea of the infinite
(2) As the first non contingent cause of contingent
existence
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
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Meditation 4: Introduction
Summing up:
1. Doubt: all knowledge is doubtful but the Cogito
2. The Cogito gives also a method to reach the truth: clear
and distinct perceptions of the mind – truth of an instant
3. Non deceiving God = guarantees the persistence of truth
God not a deceiver: rather easy:
1. P1: God = all perfect
2. P2: Deception = imperfection
3. CC: God ≠ deceiver
The problem: How can we consistently hold that:
1. God is the truthful source of my innate ideas
2. I can make mistakes
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
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Meditation 4: Theory of error
Scholastic Arguments
Error as a mere defect:
1. The view: errors come from a defect: perfect knowledge is
not of my nature (just as wings are not either)
2. Descartes’ distinction: defect vs. privation
Defect: wings
Privation: jamming wings
Other arguments rejected: 1. incomprehension 2. big picture
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
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Meditation 4: Theory of error
Two perfect faculties
1. Intellect (or understanding): limited but no errors
2. Will: infinite – the most perfect of our faculties – what
makes us similar to God
Mechanics of Error:
We make mistakes whenever we use our will to affirm or deny
outside of the bounds of our understanding – i.e when we are
indifferent
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
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Meditation 4: Freedom and Indifference
(If we have time)
Two conflicting notions of freedom
1. Indifference – negative
2. Autonomy – positive
One possible distinction: two notions of indifference: mere
indifference and absolute free will
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
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Meditation 4: Conclusion
Theory of Error: Misuse of Will outside of the limits of our
understanding
Theory of Truth: Use our will within the limits of our
understanding!
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
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