Descartes embarked on a philosophical expedition known as Cartesian Genesis, to
establish an unshakeable foundation for knowledge. To achieve this, he embarked on a journey
of doubt, questioning the reliability of sensory information and exploring the boundaries of
uncertainty. His renowned contribution came in the form of systematic doubt, a method where he
cast doubt on everything that could be doubted, including his senses, to attain indisputable truths
through logical reasoning. Descartes begins by acknowledging the inherent flaws present in
human senses, acknowledging their capacity to deceive us. Instances like optical illusions serve
as examples of how our eyes can misinterpret shapes and sizes. Moreover, he raises the
possibility of dreaming, where sensory experiences might not align with reality. It is these
uncertainties that lead Descartes to the realization that he cannot prove the accuracy of any
sensory information.Descartes uses doubt to eliminate beliefs based on uncertain foundations. He
doubts everything until he reaches an undeniable truth: "cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I
am). Descartes argues that doubting itself proves his existence as a thinking being. From this
starting point, Descartes then establishes other certain knowledge through logical reasoning and
deducing propositions about the external world and reality.
In my experience, the relationship between sensory knowledge and logical reasoning is a
delicate balance that I rely on in various situations. In practical matters of everyday life, I place
great trust in my senses to provide accurate information about the world around me. Using my
sight and hearing, for example, I can detect approaching traffic when crossing the street or ensure
that I am cooking food until it reaches its desired taste and aroma. Nevertheless, while
recognizing the invaluable role of sensory perception in such instances, I also acknowledge their
limitations especially when dealing with intricate or abstract topics. When faced with challenges
demanding deeper understanding, whether making crucial life decisions or exploring complex
scientific concepts, relying solely on the senses is not enough. Instead, during these times, I turn
towards logical reasoning and critical thinking as reliable tools. For instance, considering a
career change in which multiple factors need careful consideration beyond mere gut feelings or
external influences alone would not suffice; rather assessing skills possessed along with interests
held as well as aligning them logically based on long-term goals could guide this
decision-making process effectively.
My approach is fundamentally similar to Descartes' in that I acknowledge the limitations
of sensory knowledge, particularly when it comes to matters requiring certainty and deeper
comprehension. Like Descartes, I employ logical reasoning to establish a more dependable
foundation for knowledge and decision-making by systematically doubting everything. However,
unlike Descartes, I recognize the value of sensory perception in our everyday lives; it provides
immediate and practical information about the world around us but may not offer absolute
certainty when dealing with philosophical or abstract concepts. By incorporating both sensory
knowledge and logical reasoning, I can navigate life's complexities proficiently; making
informed decisions while also acknowledging humanity's inherent limits in understanding.
