Module 3 Position Post

Does the fact that we can perceive a being that is perfect in every way prove the existence of such a being?

As a mathematician, Descartes using the logic of mathematical proofs to form the conclusion that there must be a perfect being. He asserts that a being that does not exist is less perfect than a being that does exist, which is logical. His statement that there is “no necessity for me to ever happen upon any thought of God” (Descartes, 130) shows that perception of God is not necessary for life. He also states “I am not utterly convinced of anything but what I clearly and distinctly perceive” (Descartes, 130), which shows that the only truth he can know is what he can perceive. If perception of God is not necessary and perception is how he know what exists, does this mean that his perception of God proves God’s existence?

This is a writing assignment from my Philosophy of Religion class that I took at UCF in Fall 2016