Descartes’ Philosophy of Existence: From ‘I Think Therefore I Am’ to ‘I Am Thinking’

René Descartes, a cornerstone of modern philosophy, famously said, “Je pense, donc je suis” (Latin: I think, therefore I am) in his seminal work, ‘Discourse on the Method.’ This phrase has become synonymous with the assertion of human existence grounded in the act of thinking. However, what if he had said, “I am thinking”? Would this alter the fundamental meaning and impact of his statement?

The Order of Discovery vs. Order of Generation

Descartes' statement is not meant to convey a simple cause and effect relationship. He writes, ‘Because we are treated here to his order of discovery not the order of generation.’ He is, in essence, discussing the process of his philosophical journey, rather than the biological fact that he exists due to his parents. In a more casual context, just as existence might imply the occurrence of a previous action (e.g., his parents cohabiting), the statement should not be taken to imply a necessity for a ‘thinker’ for the act of thinking to occur.

Existence and Thinking

Descartes was addressing radical skepticism regarding the existence of the world and even the self. He argues that if one is thinking, then one must exist, because thinking is a sign of existence. For Descartes, this assertion is not about the concept ‘to think’ but rather about ‘to be’ or existence. His aim is to assert the truth of reason, which is derived from thought and not from divine authority. He posits that God created the conditions for thought, but that does not alter the fundamental statement that thought implies existence.

Thought and the Senses

Descartes goes on to elaborate that the mind does not think in the way one might believe, as a divine faculty separate from the body. Instead, he argues that the mind coordinates the senses and is a function of the body. Thought, or sensation, is a product of the body's response to external stimuli. Even the term ‘intuition’ is not a standalone faculty but a moment in the process of coming to know. In this sense, thinking is directly tied to feeling and the senses, rather than an abstract, independent thought process.

Linguistic Habits and Reality

Linguistic habits, taken as independent realities, can be a source of confusion. Language is a tool that we use to describe reality, but it is not reality itself. Descartes’ statement is not meant to be taken literally as a necessary cause and effect relationship, but rather as a philosophical assertion of existence based on thought.

The Translation of Thought

It is important to note that when Descartes wrote in French, his statement was “Je pense donc je suis,” which was then translated into Latin as “Cogito, ergo sum,” and finally into English as “I think, therefore I am.” The use of different languages and translations can influence the nuance, but the core meaning of Descartes’ assertion remains the same.

Modern Implications

Descartes’ philosophy has profound implications for modern existential thought. It challenges the reader to question the nature of existence, the role of thought, and the relationship between mind and body. In today’s context, we might ask, 'Do we need a 'thinker' for thinking to occur? What does this say about the nature of consciousness and awareness?' These inquiries continue to be central themes in contemporary philosophical discourse.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether Descartes said ‘I think therefore I am’ or ‘I am thinking’ serves as a testament to the rich and complex nature of philosophical inquiry. His assertion that thinking implies existence remains a cornerstone of existential philosophy, challenging us to ponder the nature of our existence and our understanding of the world.