Rene Descartes states that he wants to expand the "known items" as the only thing for now that is we certainly know is God and self.

"Before asking whether any such objects exist outside me, I ought to consider the ideas of these objects as they exist in my thoughts and see which are clear and which confused."

Descartes separates external objects into those that are clear and distinct and those that are confused and obscure.

The example of clear and distinct external object are the Mathematical concepts. In meditation I those are called simple things but in this context it is an ideas.

Clear and distinct Ideas

The example of Confused and Obscure ideas are the ideas that have Extension, Duration, and Movement in external world.Extension - any external things that has an extension in space or in 3D world.croDuration - any external things that has a time of existence.Movement - any external things that explore in physical world.

Confused and Obscure Ideas

Rene Descartes argues that Mathematics for example geometrical ideas, these cannot be misconstrued or combined in a way that makes them false but the other that have Extension, Duration, and Movement can be.

Testing the Two Concept Of Ideas

The following examples of confused ideas is not directly on the meditation V but this example will explain clearly what Rene Descartes is pertaining on the concept of clear and confused ideas.)

You can combine in your mind the idea of a creature with a human brain, body of a crocodile, eye of an eagle, and teeth of lion. Then construct a question asking if these creature is powerful. There is no certain answer as the ideas is yet to be discover or invented. These ideas have the extension, duration, and movement. Thus, having such those properties is confused eas.

Confused Ideas

On the other hand, no mathematical re-arrangement of a triangle could allow its three internal angles to sum to anything but 180 degrees. These ideas don't have extension, duration, and movement. Thus it is clear and distinct.

Clear Ideas

Descartes states that truths may have a nature or essence of themselves of being true and independent of the thinker.While thinking about the independence of these ideas of external objects (Mathematical Truth), Then Descartes realized that he is just as about God as he is about these mathematical ideas as both of them have an essence and independent of the thinker.

He asserts that the ideas of God implies God's existence.Premise 1: God is defined as an infinitely perfect being. Premise 2: Perfection includes existence.Conclusion: So God exists.In this argument, the idea of God has the nature of Perfection. In other words Perfection is part of God. Then if God is perfect by the definition, or by the idea of God itself, then he has the attributes and quality of being Perfection, perfection includes existence as it attributes and quality of it. Then if God is perfect it necessarily follows that God exist

Another argument for God's Existence

(This argument is one of the other version of Ontological argument proposed by St. Anselm of Canterbury.)

This settles his discontentment to the "distinct and clear" criteria for truth and with the confirmed existence of God, all doubt that is generated in meditation 1 are can be removed with certainty as God will not let him be deceived and now he has a distinct criteria in seeking the truth.

With all of the conclusion, Descartes asserts that without this sure knowledge in the existence of a supreme and perfect being, assurance of any uth is impossible.

There is no Truth without God

(At the end of Meditation V, Rene Descartes, he successfully expand his known ideas, win the concept of Truths, create another argument for God's existence to Settle his discontentment, and destroy all of skeptical hypothesis, but the problem in solipsism (you are the only one that exists) and the external world still exist, in Meditation VI he will continue his journey to answer and settles these problems.)

Summary of Meditation V. Of the essence of material things, and, again, of God,that He exists.

Understand yourself and those around you.

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Descartes' Meditation V

Willing constitutes one-third of our inner essence, while the other two-thirds consist of Knowledge and Emotions. Through thoughts, these three are clustered to process.

Willing

Knowledge can be any information, concept, or encoded experience.

Stipulative Definitions

Emotions are affective mental states that arise in response to internal or external events. Involving physiological arousal, expressive behaviors, and subjective feelings (iterated/depthen emotions).

Emotions

Willingness is our attitude or motive to think or do things. It involves cognitive processes of decision-making, intention formation, and motivation. It is the result of consciously choosing based on desires, values, beliefs, and expectations.

When we say it's our willingness that decides we're talking about proportions of encoding realities either as Knowledge or Emotion. Controlling our emotions means we are more willing to access our knowledge. Similarly, there are areas of life where we rely more on our emotions than knowledge. None of these three are work-free parts of our Souls though our willingness decides the ratio.

Glance at their process linearly.

Our minds function similarly to computers, where even a small hardware issue can lead to software collapse. Likewise, problematic thoughts can result in system deficiencies, freezing, or, in extreme cases, damage to our mental well-being. Thoughts, whether positive or negative, are inevitable and imminent. However, it is our genuine willingness that allows us to manage how we perceive and interpret these thoughts. Our willingness serves as the deciding factor in this process.

The Power of Willingness in Managing Thoughts

Have you noticed the brain is the most protected part of our body?

The three components of our souls, namely Willing, Knowledge, and Emotions, form a triumvirate that functions simultaneously but with different roles. The decision-making aspect (Willing) is constantly influenced by the other two. It is also impacted by our morals and beliefs, which means that it is not completely free and should be questioned. To make better use of the decider, we should always ask ourselves why we are experiencing certain emotions or why we hold certain knowledge. This will enable the decider to index thoughts as an Emotion or Knowledge adequately.

What are we Willing to do with our Thoughts?

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Personal Development

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Society, Arts & Culture

Willingness - the trending focus 

The conclusions of the previous Meditations that Rene Descartes or "I" and "God" both exist eventually lead to another problem: "If God is perfectly good and the source of all that is, how is there room for error or falsehood?"In other words, "If God is perfect then why there is a mistake in the world?"(This meditation IV is dedicated to answer that specific problem.)

Rene Descartes tries to resolve this in four ways; One from the concept Great Chain of Being and Three from the Misuse and Limitation of his Abilities.

Rene Descartes states that God's perfect goodness is relative to His perfect being. On the extreme opposite end of the scale is complete nothingness and where the evil relies. He states that the location of the Humans is in-between these two extremes.Being human is being less "good" than God, but more "good" than Evil. Therefore, error or mistake is only the absence of what is correct and right.

The Great Chain of Being

Limitation of AbilitiesMisuse of one's own PerspectiveMisuse of Divine Gifts

The Misuse and Limitation of Abilities

Rene Descartes states that there is a possibility that his limited knowledge prevents him from understanding why God chose to create him so he could make mistakes.Therefore, there might be a reason but because of our limited knowledge, it is ncomprehensible.

Limitation of knowledge

Rene Descartes suggest that what may seem like a mistake or error on an individual or specific level might actually be perceived as flawless when considered within the broader context of the entire creation established by God.Therefore, the perspective that sees beyond isolated instances of error to appreciate a larger, harmonious picture of existence may have a different significance or as Rene Descartes considered as "Error Free"

2. Misusage of Perspective

"For something that seems imperfect when viewed alone might seem completely perfect when regarded as having a place in the world."

The two Divine Gifts are the Understanding (Intellectual Gift) and Will (Freedom) both of these gifts are in a perfect condition. Rene Descartes realized that error occurs when he practice or exercise his understanding and will. Therefore, the gifts of God (understanding and will) both remain good and perfect so do God itself as the giver of these and the error only occurs when we misuse it.

3. The Misusage of Divine Gifts

(At the end of Meditation IV, Rene Descartes settled the problem. He made the error of humans and imperfections of it, is compatible to the existence of a perfect being called "God")

Summary of Meditation IV. Of the True and the False.

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Mindfulness

Descartes' Meditation IV

First, Descartes proposed that there are three sources of ideas:Innate - Ideas that are within us Fictitious - Ideas that come from our imaginationAdventitious - Ideas that come from experiences of the world.

Source Of Ideas

Descartes proposed the Level of Reality, This hierarchy is based on the perfection of the Ideas in their own.Objective reality - is the reality that something has as ideas or representation, or reality that an idea or representation exist. Formal Reality or actual reality - are the reality that is actual and not just represent.Eminent reality - is the reality of an idea that is not active but has a potential for its actuality (to formal Reality).

Levels of Reality

Objective reality is on the top because we can perceive a Perfect triangle, but I'm actual reality and eminent there is no perfect triangle, as all triangles in reality is composed of material that can be curved, erase of something. A perfect idea of triangle only exist in Objective reality and it can be called Infinite-objectibe reality, were the idea of objective reality is extended to the infinity. So, this reality is in beyond the other ideas objective reality.

The Hierarchy

The argument for God's existence of Rene Descartes are the Trademark Argument (Ontological) and The Causal Argument (Cosmological).

Rene Descartes argues that our idea of God did not came from the Fictitious, Adventitious and Innate ideas, he insists that the Idea of God is came from God itself and he used the levels of reality to prove it.

The Trademark Argument

Premise 1 : I have an idea of God as an infinitely perfect being.The source of this ideas are:FictitiousAdventitiousInnateNot Fictitious because fictitious ideas are imagination, and imagination is a combination of elements from sensory experience. Therefore, it lacks the quality for a certain, infinite and perfect idea of God.Not Adventitious because Adventitious ideas are arises from external stimuli or experience. Therefore, it also lacks the quality for a certain, infinite and perfect idea of God.The first two options may be subject to doubt (Meditation 1)

The Argument

Not Innate because innate ideas are generated by me. I, myself is a finite being. Therefore, I cannot create an infinite and perfect idea of God.

Premise 2: If I have an idea of an infinitely perfect being, then some infinitely perfect being must exist.There is no reasonable source for that infinite and perfect idea of God to exist. Then, the source of my idea of God must really be infinitely perfect being (Beyond objective reality).Conclusion: Therefore, an infinitely perfect being called God, exists.This argument is often called Descartes' ontological argument, asserting that the idea of God and his perfection implies His existence.

Rene Descartes also concluded here that an absolutely perfect being is a good, benevolent being therefore God would not deceive him. It settles some of the unresolved problem of skeptical hypothesis from Meditation I.(As of the moment of this meditation "I" or "a thinking thing" and "God" is the only thing that sure to exist)

Premise 1: I exist (as a thinking thing, Meditation II).Premise 2: My existence must have a cause.The only Possible Ultimate Causes are:Myself I always having existedMy parentsSomething less perfect than GodGod

Causal Argument

Not "Myself"If I had created myself, I would have made myself perfect. Also I'm a finite being.Not "I always having existed"This does not solve the problem. If I am a dependent being, I need to be continually sustained by another.Not "My Parents" This leads to an infinite regress from generation to generation and they are also dependent being.Not "Something less than a God" The idea of perfection that exists in me cannot have originated from a non-perfect being.

Then, "God" because he is an independent being and has the power to cause something to exist. Conclusion: Therefore, God existsA perfect being could not have been caused by anything less than a perfect being.

(At the end of Meditation III Rene Descartes prove the existence of God with the attributes of a perfect being.)

In this Meditation III Rene is trying to prove the existence of God.

Descartes' Meditation III

Did you know that you look pretty? Look at others around you. You'd definitely find someone's body shape, eye, skin, or any part of body not attractive. Now compare that with the same body part of yours. See?

You Are Beautiful 

Even a flower that blooms beside a road sparks a flow of joy in our hearts. And the beautiful "you";do the same to others as well. You are beautiful, you are pretty, you are important. There's someone who didn't get to live today. But you did.

You Matter!

This is a post I'm sharing to tell you some facts about youself!

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Motivation & Inspiration

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Love & Relationships

YOU!

"In the quiet moments, between the chaos of life, lies the true essence of our being."

"Stars may shine brightly, but it's the darkness that unveils their brilliance."

"Silence whispers truths louder than words ever could."

"Growth isn't always visible; it quietly nurtures roots beneath the surface."

"In the dance of life, our scars become the most beautiful choreography."

"The grass is greener where you water it."

"In the garden of life, both flowers and thorns contribute to its beauty."

"Time, like a river, carries us forward, yet leaves traces of our journey along its banks."

“The soul always knows what to do to heal itself. The challenge is to silence the mind.”

In the vast expanse of human thought, gems of wisdom often emerge from the shadows, spoken by individuals whose names may never grace the history. These quotes, though unattributed to renowned figures, possess a raw power, resonating with profound truths and insights that transcend fame.

Quotes that hit different 🎯

Albert Camus' task is to find the most important philosophical questions to human. Then he came up with it and states:"There is but one truly philosophical problem, and that is Suicide"

Chapter One: An Absurd Reasoning

The problem is generated by taking these two position: "Life is meaningless" and "Human desire for meaning."This will create an absurdity, a contradiction. Why still seek when there is none, why still live when existence and life itself is meaningless?

The Absurd

- We live our lives as if we're not aware of the certainty of death that we will meet into the end of it.- Science and Metaphysics only explained the world descriptively. Any interpretation in attempt in "making sense" in our life will end up in meaningless abstraction.- The true knowledge and rationality cannot truly explain the world or give meaning to it.

Why Meaningless

Albert Camus set three possible response on dealing with the absurd:Suicide (Physical Suicide)Philosophical SuicideConfronting the Absurd

Dealing with the Absurd

Albert Camus rejected Physical Suicide. For him absurd cannot exist if there is no man. And taking away your own life is not true revolt.

Suicide (Physical Suicide)

Many other philosophers attempt to deal with the absurd. Here are their concept:Heidegger's emphasize the reliance on existential authenticity.Karl Jaspers emphasizing authenticity and transcendence.Kierkegaard's advocates leap of faith.For Camus, this is a form of philosophical suicide and it is self-destructive as physical suicide. Those concept attempt to escape and seek refuge in metaphysical concept rather than confronting the absurd.

Philosophical Suicide

He states that this is the only valid option on dealing with the Absurd.It is simple, just accept absurdity, or embrace it, and continue living. You are no longer bound by hope for a better future you do not need to pursue life's purpose or to create meaning. You just live with the absurd.Camus arrives at three consequences from fully acknowledging the absurd: revolt, freedom, and passion.

Confronting the Absurd

After accepting the absurd, there is a new philosophical questions and that is "How should the Absurd Man live?"Camus gives some representations on how do we live a life like an Absurd Man:Don JuanismThe ActorThe Conqueror

Chapter 2: The Absurd Man

The Legendary libertine Don Juan, represents the pursuit of pleasure and sensual experiences as a way to deny the inherent meaninglessness of life. Don Juan seeks distraction in romantic conquests and fleeting pleasures to confront the absurd.

Don Juanism

The Actor represents an individual who immerses themselves in various character roles and personas. Those mask (roles) help them to become detached to the absurdity of existence.

The Actor

The conqueror is the individual who seeks to overcome the absurd through power, achievements, or conquests. He chooses action over contemplation, aware of the fact that nothing can last and no victory is final.

The Conqueror

Camus examines the artist or maker. Absurd art is limited to describing the multitude of experiences in the world because meaning is unattainable. Of course, absurd creativity must also abstain from judgment and from hinting at the tiniest glimmer of optimism to the world.

Chapter 3: Absurd Creation

"If the world were clear, art would not exist."

He also explores the writing of Fyodor Dostoevsky, it represents absurd creation and use the premise of absurdism as his starting point.

Camus used Sisyphus as Metaphor for the human condition in a absurd world. Sisyphus is condemned by the gods to endlessly rolls a boulder uphill, only for it to roll back down. Camus argues that embracing the absurdity and finding meaning in the struggle itself is essential to confront the absurdity of human existence.

Chapter 4: The Myth of Sisyphus

"The struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man's heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy"

The Absurdity with Hope is Kafkaesque At the essay "Hope and the Absurd in the work of Franz Kafka". Camus acknowledge the idea of Franz Kafka, The Metamorphosis and The Trial are novellas of Kafka that represent the themes of absurdity in human existence. But he claims that Kafka fails as an absurd writer because his work retains a glimmer of hope in absurdity.

Appendix

The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus (Complete summary)

A Nobel Prize-winning author delivers one of the most influential works of the twentieth century, showing a way out of despair and reaffirming the value of existence. Influenced by works such as Don Juan and the novels of Kafka, these essays begin with a meditation on suicide—the question of living or not living in a universe devoid of order or meaning. With lyric eloquence, Albert Camus brilliantly presents a crucial exposition of existentialist thought.

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Learning & Education

Albert Camus (1913-1960) was a representative of non-metropolitan French literature. His origin in Algeria and his experiences there in the thirties were dominating influences in his thought and work. Of semi-proletarian parents, early attached to intellectual circles of strongly revolutionary tendencies, with a deep interest in philosophy (only chance prevented him from pursuing a university career in that field), he came to France at the age of twenty-five. The man and the times met: Camus joined the resistance movement during the occupation and after the liberation was a columnist for the newspaper Combat. But his journalistic activities had been chiefly a response to the demands of the time; in 1947 Camus retired from political journali

Albert Camus

The Myth of Sisyphus

It's not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.

In our fast-paced world, finding time to combat anxiety can be a challenge. However, even the busiest schedules can accommodate quick and effective strategies for easing stress and finding moments of peace.

Introduction - Finding Calm in the Chaos

Incorporate brief mindful breathing exercises into your day. Even a few minutes of deep, conscious breathing can significantly<a href="https://freemeditationscripts.com/meditation-script/anxiety/calming-the-storm-a-free-guided-meditation-script-for-anxiety/"> reduce anxiety </a>levels and bring a sense of calm amidst the hustle.

Mindful Breathing Techniques

Enhance your ability to manage stress and maintain focus with the <a href="https://3826dajfq-4iyudps2vfx3u260.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=karbatos">Wealth DNA Activation Program</a>. This binaural beat technology is designed to help realign your thoughts and emotions, providing quick mental relief even on your busiest days.

Wealth DNA Activation Program

Explore our <a href="https://freemeditationscripts.com">free meditation scripts</a> for quick sessions you can practice anywhere, anytime. These short meditations can provide rapid relief and are a perfect fit for a busy lifestyle.

Utilize Short Meditation Sessions

Utilize different apps that is offering quick guided meditation and mindfulness exercises specifically designed for people with limited time.

Leverage Technology for Relaxation

Engage in <a href="https://d009cbdeoz0hwoa63kwk45y2wq.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=livk">quick physical activities like stretching</a>, a brisk walk, or a few minutes of yoga. Physical movement can release tension and produce endorphins, improving your mood and reducing anxiety.

Physical Activity for Stress Relief

Never underestimate the <a href="https://amzn.to/42mbvH2">power of hydration</a> and proper nutrition on your mental state. Quick, healthy snacks and staying hydrated can keep your energy levels stable and reduce feelings of anxiety.

Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Foster a positive mindset by reminding yourself of your strengths and accomplishments. Quick affirmations or a glance at an uplifting quote can be a powerful antidote to a moment of anxiety.

Cultivate a Positive Mindset

Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out, I smile.

How do you find quick moments of relief from anxiety amidst a busy and demanding schedule?

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Quick Relief: Managing Anxiety in a Hectic Schedule

Living in harmony with nature has been a defining trait of human existence, but the rapid urbanization of the last century has led to a significant disconnect. As cities continue to swell with people, the World Urbanization United Nations predicts that by 2050, nearly 66% of the global population will reside in urban areas, highlighting a growing shift away from the natural environment.This shift has profound implications for individuals, impacting mental health in several key areas.

Urbanization and Its Toll on Mental Health

The "galloping phenomenon" of intentional cognitive processes is identified as a cause of a lack of awareness.Additionally, there is a noticeable decline in the sense of community, partly due to the breakdown of traditional family and community structures.There is a growing alienation from nature itself, as our distance from the environment makes us feel detached.By understanding these challenges, we can view individuals as complex ecosystems. These ecosystems consist of four interconnected areas: the body, the physical environment, experiences, and community characteristics.

Holistic Understanding: The Individual's Complex Ecosystem

The lack of awareness, identified as a central issue by researchers, stems from a predominant focus on rational learning and problem-solving, overshadowing emotional and physical processes.This cognitive approach, prevalent in both educational and professional settings, contributes to the disintegration of the individual's ecosystem, leading to psychosomatic illnesses.Because of this, it is crucial to consider the mental state known as "the flow," where individuals unconsciously focus on a single task. This state is distinct from mindfulness, which involves consciously perceiving the present.

Balancing the Flow and Mindfulness

The erosion of community belonging is another consequence of urbanization, as the shift from large family units to individual-member groups results in weakened social connections.This lack of community has profound implications for society as a whole, impacting the sense of security, meaning, and personal growth that communities traditionally provide.Humanistic psychologist Carl Rogers proposes a solution centered on five core values: empathy, congruence, open communication, trust, and unconditional positive regard.

Erosion of Community: A Consequence of Urbanization

As modern life increasingly revolves around electronic communication and digital experiences, regular encounters with tangible natural elements become essential for mental and physical harmony.The separation from nature, compounded by the linear structure of written communication, has led to what author Richard Louv calls "nature-deficit disorder," contributing to attention disorders, obesity, and mental health issues.Fostering a connection with nature is proposed as a healing remedy. Spending time in natural environments can lead to significant relaxation, reducing aggression and stress.

Nature-Deficit Disorder: The Price of Disconnection

The urban lifestyle, characterized by its fast-paced nature and digital saturation, often disconnects individuals from the grounding forces of the natural worldAs skyscrapers replace horizons and screens substitute for open skies, the human psyche yearns for the replenishing touch of the earth, the soothing rustle of leaves, and the calming embrace of natural landscapesReconnecting with nature serves as a potent antidote to the stressors of modern lifeThe rhythmic ebb and flow of nature provide a counterbalance to the chaotic rhythms of urban existence, fostering a sense of calm and resilience

Flow With Our Nature

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Bowlby, J. (1980): Attachment and loss, Vol. 3: Loss, sadness and depression. London: Hogarth.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Fonagy, P. & Target, M. (2005) The place of psychodynamic theory in developmental psychopathology. Budapest: Gondolat Kiadó.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Sachs, J.D. (2015): The Age of Sustainable Development, Columbia University Press.</li><li>Jackson, T (2009): Prosperity without Growth, Earthscan</li><li>Bryant, Fred B. – Veroff, Joseph (2006): Savoring: A New Model of Positive Experience, Psychology Press, Hove</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Dunbar, Robin I. M. (1998): The social brain hypothesis, Evolutionary Anthropology, Vol. 6. (5) pp 178-190</li></ul>

References

As the concrete jungles expand and the digital landscape continues to dominate, there is a growing realization that maintaining mental well-being requires a deliberate and mindful approach. This article endeavors to explore the profound significance of reconnecting with nature and fostering genuine connections within our communities in the context of our technologically-driven lives.

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Science & Nature

Nature and Mental Well-being

Imagine a field where there are hundreds of cows, still a little calf will be able to recognize her mother among the crowd. This is exactly how our past actions catch up. This is KARMA.

"Satyameva Jayate"Truth alone triumphs.

"Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam"The entire world is one family.

Wisdom from the Himalayas

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