<p>For UChicago one of their Essay options was to pose a question, and then answer it based on some questions they have given.</p>
<p>I enjoy Philosophy and original thought, so I tried to something semi-original</p>
<p>Thanks for the read</p>
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<p>Question: Rene Descartes made one of the most profound philosophical statements in history when he said I think therefore I am. What kind of implications does that statement contain? Explore and evaluate. </p>
<p>Descartes believed solely in deduction as his method of reasoning. He discarded perception for the simple reason that it could be easily distorted. Descartes used a simple example that has now become known as the Wax Argument. A piece of wax has certain characteristics that are obvious to a human simply by making a visual observation. (size, shape, color, texture and smell) All of these characteristics can easily be distorted by placing the piece of wax to a flame, and watching all of those characteristics become altered. In order to form an accurate hypothesis, one must use his mind to conclude that the wax is still wax regardless of the state it is in. So, if Descartes simply used perception to create philosophical building blocks, they would become flawed, as would his entire philosophy. As a result, Descartes stripped his perception to the most empirical state possible, and produced the groundbreaking quote I think therefore I am. Descartes finally was able to establish a fundamental principal in philosophy that was irrefutable. Human thought was the only thing that could not be doubted, because if a person was to doubt thought, that person was thinking about his doubt and ultimately disproving themselves. Exploring and evaluating the deep rooted meaning in Descartess quote, provides insight to a heightened mental state. By stripping your perception while reconstructing and refining your philosophy, one attains an essential understanding of their reality. We each create our own reality, by stripping your own perception until you believed you have uncovered the key principal on which to build. This is the reason that Descartes so carefully stated that I think therefore I am. He was reinforcing the point that each human is the sole creator of their reality, and no other human can cement its existence. Furthermore, a large number of parallels can be drawn from Descartess statement that are applicable to the real world. One of the most scientific areas that Descartess quote would relate is in the realm of Quantum Physics. The average person is intimidated by the mention of Quantum Physics and becomes immediately befuddled. Quantum Physics is basically the study of the behavior of energy, and matter on the atomic level. Also, Quantum Physics has one very well known paradox, which states that an element can be in more than one place at a time. Obviously, this cannot be true, so something in the derived formulas and theories must be incorrect. The basis of Descartess quote reverberates throughout this glaring problem. Professors in Quantum Physics need to strip down their perception of the universe to one key principal that is undeniable. Much like Descartes, from that position they can elevate their already vast understanding of the topic to a much more refined level. Finally, on a much more relatable subject, Descartess revelation is relevant to criminal investigators. If a detective if trying to solve a murder case, and builds his case off of false evidence, then he will not be lead to the correct solution. However, if he sorts through all the evidence until he is left with only the indisputable facts, and then builds from there, he will be successful. The University of Chicago is no exception to Descartess sagacious logic, which begs the question, am I in your reality?</p>