He pursues this by beginning to doubt of everything, even his own existence. He presents his reestablishment of reality as a series of proofs, like proving a mathematical formula.

What is the first conclusion he reaches in this search? What is the second?

Descartes first finding is that he exists because he is a thinking being, hence his famous statement: 'I think, therefore I am.' The second is that his mind is distinct from his body, that his mind stands apart from what he perceives with is senses.

Descartes - the Melted Wax

In the discussion of the melted wax, how do we "know" the wax candle at the start? What happens when the candle melts?

We know the wax by its properties, yet as the wax changes and melts, it changes its physical properties.

How do we know the melted wax is the same wax as the candle was?...
[ View Full Essay]