Existence of Thought – Descartes’ Cogito Argument

Edited by Kai Zhang

Abstract

This paper raises an objection and proposes a revision to Descartes’ cogito argument. Through this argument, Descartes asserts the existence of thought and, therefore, of himself as a thinking entity. This assertion serves as the basis for escaping the radical skepticism he imposes upon himself. In this paper, I will argue that Descartes’ original argument is guilty of begging the question, as it already assumes his existence. Moreover, a revision to the cogito, where only the existence of thought is asserted, is proposed. This revision of the cogito escapes the original objection and thus provides a stronger argument.