Existence of the God- A Philosophical Perspective

Many scholars of philosophy have always debated on the existence of God, the Supreme Being that guides us, controls and manages the most complex processes of nature. The concept of God has always been a subject of great interest, argument and discussion among scholars of various disciplines as human mind with its limited intellectual capability and understanding about various processes of nature has never been successful in providing a definite conclusion on whether the existence of God is real. However, an important factor that determines the existence of God is the efficiency and effectiveness observed in the way various natural processes take place without any human interference. Since ancient times, philosophers, scientists and intellectuals have always argued and debated on the subject of whether God indeed exists without being successful in providing a definite answer to the question. In fact, this question is as complex as various processes involved in nature that simply emphasize on the fact that phenomena of nature are not a jumbled process, but rather a systematically designed unique plan.

In his philosophic works, a renowned philosopher Rene Descartes presents his perspectives of God and how the concept of God interferes with human nature and understanding. His controversial works on metaphysical subjects appeared in 1641 in the form of Meditations on First Philosophy. In his work, Descartes reveals how human nature and understanding interferes with the existence of God and alters the way humans perceive things and nature. This paper will provide insights on Descartes’ views on God and how human nature interferes in understanding the existence of God.

Descartes’ Perception of God and Human Nature

Descartes presents his views on human nature and the existence of God in a very understandable and systematic way. He states that human mind can realize the existence of God through detachment from the physical world. His detachment and interest from the worldly things let him focus and realize the supreme power of God that created nature and universe. He opines that without the existence of God, humans would not exist and human intelligence through its limited approach to science and knowledge can never be able to discover the presence of God unless the doubt of whether God exists is eliminated from within. According to Descartes, a unique perspective that is derived from complete detachment of the worldly interest is required to be able to experience and realize the presence of that Supreme Being. He further states that the unique qualities of thinking, judgment, perception and discovering the truth are all instilled in people by God. He opines that God cannot be an illusion when we are practical and existent. God, being a Supreme entity, has created us as perfect beings and the lack of perfection in the form of knowledge that lies within us is mainly due to man’s own inability to understand, learn and acquire knowledge. Descartes gives an example of a craftsman who with his unique skills, persistence, and practice masters the art of craftsmanship that can take a prolonged period of time. He opines that God has installed definite positive attributes within us and it is up to us to discover, develop and enhance those attributes of personality that reward us for our existence. He further argues that humans possess limited understanding and knowledge about the God while God, on the contrary, has infinite capability, knowledge and understanding about each and everything that lasts in this universe.

Evidence of God’s Existence

Descartes strongly emphasizes on the capability of mind to perceive things that are not easily visible to our eyes and discards the belief that what does not appear, does not exist. According to him, our senses help us measure, judge, perceive and interpret things that have different sizes, colors, tastes, feelings and experiences. He opines that God, being a Supreme Being, cannot be judged by senses but only through our mind. Our mind is equipped with superior intelligence that can perceive things beyond our senses and has the potential to understand and interpret phenomena that are invisible and existent in universe. For example, the air that we breathe is indispensable to life that cannot be seen, yet exists; the atoms are invisible, yet atomic bombs are capable of destroying the world; the flow of invisible electrons through metallic conductors that provide electricity and many microscopic to macroscopic examples simply emphasize the fact that when these invisible powers can run or ruin our civilization, so does God, being a supreme power, exist.

          Descartes attempts to explain the existence of God providing some good examples of geometrical figures and explaining the co-relation between a geometric figure and its unique characteristics and how they are inseparable from each other. Applying this principle to the existence of God, Descartes states that God exists because of million truths that exist in nature in the form of their unique properties and forms. So, God exists and the idea of God and his existence is inseparable from each other emphasizing that there is a supreme being who possesses infinite power and everlasting capabilities