Cogito ergo Sum, cosa significa? - Cartesio e Pascal (#Filosofia 13)

Summary

This video script explores the profound philosophical ideas of René Descartes and Blaise Pascal. Descartes, known for his 'Cogito, ergo sum,' shaped modern philosophy by linking mathematics with reality and advocating for a dualistic view of mind and matter. Pascal, a mathematician and philosopher, delves into human suffering, existential questions, and the concept of faith through his famous 'Wager.' Both philosophers influenced later thinkers like Kant and Sartre, addressing themes of reason, faith, and the human condition, while contributing groundbreaking work in science and mathematics.

Takeaways

• 😀 Descartes believed that everything in the world, including the physical universe, can be understood through mathematical principles, introducing the concept of *res extensa* (extended substance).
• 😀 Descartes is known for his famous statement 'Cogito, ergo sum' ('I think, therefore I am'), which establishes the certainty of existence through thought.
• 😀 Descartes rejected action at a distance, proposing instead that physical phenomena, like the motion of the Earth, could be explained through the movement of particles in the ether.
• 😀 Descartes' work laid the foundation for modern geometry, connecting algebra and geometry through Cartesian geometry, influencing later scientific fields.
• 😀 In ethics, Descartes encouraged following societal customs, being resolute, seeking self-mastery, and focusing on philosophy.
• 😀 Pascal’s philosophy highlights the dual nature of humans: fragile and finite like reeds, yet capable of deep thought, making them both insignificant and greater than all other creatures.
• 😀 Pascal’s pessimism centers on the idea that humans are inherently dissatisfied, always seeking meaning and never truly living in the present, distracted by future hopes or material goods.
• 😀 Pascal’s 'Wager' argues that believing in God is the most rational choice, as the potential infinite reward far outweighs the minimal cost, even if God does not exist.
• 😀 Pascal believed that reason has limits, and while necessary for understanding the world, it must be complemented by the 'heart' or spirit of finesse to understand deeper truths of life.
• 😀 Pascal’s Wager faces several critiques, including the cost of religious life, the difficulty of choosing which God to believe in, and the problem of believing in God only for personal gain.

Q & A

What is Descartes' view on the world and how does he relate it to mathematics?

Descartes believed that the world could be understood through mathematical principles. He saw the physical world as composed of 'res extensa' (extended substance), which could be described using mathematical formulas. He also demonstrated that algebra and geometry are interconnected, with geometric shapes able to be expressed algebraically.

How did Descartes explain motion and the concept of the vortex?

Descartes explained motion through the idea of vortices, where moving objects displace tiny particles (pulviscolo) around them, creating swirling motion. He rejected the idea of 'action at a distance,' arguing that forces must be transmitted through physical contact, such as a vortex in space explaining planetary motion.

What was Descartes' stance on the existence of a vacuum and infinite space?

Descartes rejected the idea of a vacuum, believing that space is always filled with matter in the form of tiny particles. He argued that infinite space is divisible and that there is no empty space, thus everything is composed of matter in motion.

What is the 'Cogito, ergo sum' and how did Descartes arrive at this conclusion?

The 'Cogito, ergo sum' ('I think, therefore I am') is Descartes' fundamental axiom, which he reached after doubting everything, including his own existence. He concluded that the very act of doubting proved that he, as a thinking being, must exist.

How did Descartes influence modern philosophy and the development of subjectivism?

Descartes' emphasis on the thinking subject laid the foundation for later developments in modern philosophy, especially in the works of Kant and Hegel. His concept of subjectivism, where the mind is central to understanding reality, influenced existentialism and idealism.

What does Pascal mean by the 'human contradiction' and how does it relate to suffering?

Pascal described humans as a contradiction, weak and fragile yet capable of thought. This paradoxical nature leads to suffering, as humans seek meaning and fulfillment in life, but are ultimately aware of their own mortality and existential void.

What is Pascal's concept of 'divertissement' and how does it relate to human existence?

Pascal's concept of 'divertissement' refers to the distractions humans create to avoid confronting the existential emptiness of life. He argued that people engage in activities and pursuits not for fulfillment, but to escape the painful awareness of life's meaninglessness.

What is Pascal's 'Wager,' and how does it argue for belief in God?

Pascal's Wager suggests that it is more rational to believe in God than to not believe. The wager posits that if God exists, the reward for belief is infinite (eternal happiness), while if God does not exist, the cost of belief is minimal. Thus, even with uncertainty, belief is the safer and more rational choice.

What are some criticisms of Pascal's Wager?

Critics of Pascal's Wager argue that it oversimplifies the decision of faith, suggesting that living a religious life has costs, even if God does not exist. Other objections include the uncertainty about which God to believe in, the possibility of a last-minute conversion, and the idea that believing in God for personal gain is disingenuous.

How did Pascal view the role of reason and heart in understanding life?

Pascal believed that while reason is crucial for understanding certain aspects of life, it has its limits. He emphasized the importance of the 'heart' or intuition, which allows people to understand deeper truths about existence, including matters of faith, love, and the human condition.