Say if one were to come across a mechanical robot that resembles all of the features of a human body, how would one be able to tell the difference if it were the real thing or not? Descartes explains that the machine does not respond with reason behind its words but that it utters words that fit into its actions. Using these two methods, one can also tell the difference between man and beast as well as animals (Meditations 32). Although they do have the same internal organs as human beings, they are still incapable to think of what they are saying. This is not simple because they have less reasoning than humans, but that they have no sense of reasoning at all (Meditations 32).
Maybe a certain animal possesses a skill that is superior in one action than human beings, but that doesn't mean that they are smarter. Human beings excel in far more areas than any animal or machine can do. Descartes uses a clock as an example and says a man couldn't keep track of time, even with all of his patience and accuracy, better than a clock made up of wheels and springs, which was invented by man to do so (Meditations 33). This is because the placement of its organs only allows it to move in that manner and it isn't made up of nearly as much organs to make it act in such a way that is identical to humans, where reason is the basis of all actions (Meditations 32).
After that, Descartes then says that when the difference between the soul of man and those of a beast is well understood, one can infer that the human soul is separate from the body and that it is immortal, whereas the body is not. One can only come to this conclusion, until he/she is fully accustomed to the existence of God. This makes sense because Descartes is concluding that if the human soul is separate from the body and therefore, is immortal, then a man made machine that resembles a human body doesn't have a soul and so it is mortal. In other words this is why the creations of God is superior to the creations of man, "I described the rational soul and showed that it can in no way be derived from the potentiality of matter" (Meditations 33).
This argument further proves the existence of God. You say that for one to fully grasp the concept that the body and soul are separate and that the soul is immortal, one must believe in God. Descartes says for humans to even question whether there is a God, proves that the human mind is finite (Meditations 31). For this idea to already be in our minds just proves how there is a greater substance already in existence.
ReplyDeleteDiscourse on the method part 6?? Descartes basically is saying that if a machine is made to look like an animal for example a "monkey" we will we not be able to tell the difference, as animals can't speak, whereas we will know if a machine made to look like a human being is a machine because humans have rational thought and are able to speak. Animals and humans share many of the same organs but only humans have a rational soul,therefore when animals die they die but when humans die their souls do not, only the actually physical passing of a person dies.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that this proves God's existence. Although,I think we can all say that we understand the differences between God's and human creation, Descartes make good points. We as humans will never be able to function like a machine and an animal nor a machine will ever be like us. I don't know about Descartes conclusion because if he says the the soul and body aren't connected and humans are immortal, wouldn't that make an animal immortal too? No, they can't have rational souls, but since they have similar actions, I think that could be said for them. Machines are mans creation but aren't animals God's creation?
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said on how animals can possess a certain skill that is better than a skill human possess but that does not make them smarter. Humans are smarter than animals and machines. We know right from wrong and humans are the ones who create ways to keep track of time like the clock.
ReplyDeleteAccording to this post and Descartes, what separates man from both animal and machines, is our ability to think both rationally or with logic in our lives. This ability allows us to think and act in a way that goes beyond the need for survival. Furthermore, this point helps to further prove the existence of the human rational soul, and in turn allows for us to believe in God. It is our morals, in my opinion, that separates us from other life forms. Mostly due to higher level of intelligence.
ReplyDeleteIn Meditations on first philosophy Descartes intended for his mediations on first philosophy to be read as form of indirect communication. Descartes believes the distinction between soul and body demonstrates the existence of God. Descartes then must provide a metaphysical foundation for the physical science of nature. Proof of causation is therefore necessary. Descartes believes a reasonable explanation for existence lies within his own natural philosophy. His argument remains resolutely Copernican. Through the use of intellect, Descartes chooses to ignore geometrical and quantifiable properties of the body. For Descartes his metaphysical analysis serves as a basis from which pure sciences are only an extension. Descartes does not examine the “works of God” because when “seen in its role as a part in the universe, it is most perfect.” (36)
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