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cogito, ergo sum |
Also found in: Wikipedia, Hutchinson | 0.03 sec. |
cogito, ergo sum(Latin; “I think, therefore I am”) Dictum coined in 1637 by René Descartes as a first step in demonstrating the attainability of certain knowledge. It is the only statement to survive the test of his methodic doubt. The statement is indubitable, Descartes argued, because even if an all-powerful demon were to try to deceive him into thinking he exists when he does not, Descartes would have to exist in order to be deceived. Therefore, whenever he thinks, he exists. Furthermore, Descartes maintained, the statement “I am” (sum) expresses an immediate intuition, not the conclusion of a process of reasoning, and is thus indubitable. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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| Cogito, ergo sum (I think, therefore I am) has never quite cut it with me. |
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