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Elucidation of Descartes Argument for the existence of God

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Briefly explain Descartes argument for the existence of God as presented in Meditation V.

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This solution offers a succinct and clear delineation of Descartes argument for the existence of God. There is no attempt made at evaluating the argument, only to present it in such a way so as to elucidate Descartes logic.

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Elucidation of Descartes Argument for the existence of God in Meditation V

Meditation V
"Of the essence of material things, and, again, of God, that he exists."

This solution offers a succinct and clear presentation of Descartes argument for the existence of God in his Meditation V. The objective is not to critique the argument, but to offer an elucidation of Descartes logic.

In Meditation V, Descartes moves from knowledge of the essence of objects, in particular, mathematical objects, to the conclusion that God exists.

How does he do this?

When Descartes refers to the essence of an object he is referring to that which is essential to that object, to the properties without which, the object cannot be what it is. Descartes uses the example of a triangle and points out that it has particular properties that are integral to it. These properties must be (a) immutable, and (b) ...

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