what does the quote "I think, therefore, I am" mean?

Answer 1

The quote is from Descartes' 'Discourse on Method'

The general idea is that he questions what he knows. Assume that a grand deciever was capable of changing all you percieve (picture the Matrix etc, where something could make you see, smell etc things that aren't really there).

The question is what can you trust. The first assumption he makes is that no matter what 'reality' is, the fact that he can consider his own existience, then he exists in some fashion. 'I think, therefore I am'. Even if he's decieved about everything, he can trust that part.

Descartes then goes on to prove the existence of god. Quite an interesting book.

Answer 2

That your own thoughts should have precedence over thoughts imported from the outside. At first Descartes sounds trivial or idiotic, but the more you think about what he implies, the more you'll respect him. Think of the quote as, "I think, therefore I* (and possibly only I; the others and their ideas are not part of myself) am.

Answer 3

This quote comes from the philosopher Descartes. In response to the question, "How do you know that everything you see, touch and feel is fake? How do you really know that you even exist?" the answer is "I think, therefore I am" i.e. beacuse I have my own thoughts and ideas, I know that I exist.

Answer 4

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Good luck.

Kevin, Liverpool, England.

Answer 5

Realizing one's own consciousness therefore qualifies the reality one's existence.

Answer 6

That's a misquote. Descartes had just finished a workout & was very sweaty. He said I stink therefore I am.

Answer 7

this is a quote that has many reasons,it means the fact that i can think means that i exist as a being,i am sane ....

Answer 8

i forget the philospher who said this but when he made this statement / realization he was almost convinced that he did not exist. but alas, he was thinking which gives him validity in this life, hence the saying.

Answer 9

Human being is defined by his ability to think. If he thinks, he exist as a human being. Official name of our specie is 'homo sapience." (I think that is the correct spelling.)

Answer 10

rene descartes philosopher said this to prove his existance.