[if this has been posted before feel free to delete ect. ect.] What does this phrase mean to you. im sure you have all heard it at least once before, but actually put some thought into the words and figure out what its meaning is. to me its simple, If I am able to put any thought into anything in this exsistance, then I exsist in this particular reality.
It's called the Descartes conundrum, I think. And it basically means what you said. It possibly also confirms us as a superior species because of our rational thought. I don't quite agree to that - several species on Earth can do many of the things we can: Chimps and Bonobos use tools and learn to do so as children from the mothers, dolphins can learn limited sign language and distinguish colors on command, etc etc. Give any of these species a couple million years (which they might not have), and they may equal or exceed us. Especially chimps, because necessity breeds invention and drives evolution.
well everyone thinks and everyone must realize that "good" or "bad" thinking is a matter of opinion... the process of thinking can be seen as action or as a potential or even breathing or blinking. the definition of thought can be narrowed by some psychologists as an act, subconscious or not, that causes chemicals in areas of the brain to function. therefore, i agree with the statement that thinking is actually "being." to me this phrase has to be an interesting fact that has been around for a long time and contemplated by many societies, religions, and countries.
good hypothosis. I think it is a way of difining yourself,the reality in which you believe and live in,along with defining where and when you live.
This is one of the MANY paradoxes by Descartes. This is a rather interesting one that you can really look at from a series of equally irritating perspectives... I say irritating because they are very round-about. "I think, therefore, I am." You can think, therefore, you exist. That's what it looks like. This was one of the many ways Descartes was trying to figure out an absolute, impirical fact. Looking for ways to determine in the universe an absolutely true fact. I think the real problem with this approach is that matter and existence is constantly changing. We live in a state of consciousness, imo, and when your consciousness is gone, so are you. Maybe not your molecular structure and parts, but nonetheless, you are gone. For the limited time in which you can perceive this train of thought, it is absolutely true. But it changes, as does everything. I think that would be a fact he could find: things constantly change and there is no way around it. That, at least, would be my perspective. The statement "I think, therefore, I am" is a very meaningful statement. A lot can be drawn from it. Seeing as how every organism thinks on some level or another (which is needed in order to function on some manner), everything "is". Everything. It is unlimited but at the same time limited, as well. One of the most interesting things to consider is the degree of consciousness, though. Certainly we are different than a dolphin in thinking capability. We can sit down, and organize thoughts extensively (for we are privileged in being prosperous, maybe even more than we need). We don't have to worry about survival all the time, and our brain structure has evolved from years and years and years of that, apparently, which makes sense. I mean being able to create technology, computers, 3D software and comedy TV shows seem to be evident enough that we are 1) bored and 2) highly capable with our heads. Plus Descartes is considered the modern guy. : D
i think that phrase mean that since i have the will power to be this and think back on how i am my whole character, than i am.
I think, therefore I am. To me it means: It can never be known if others think, therefore others may not exist. Anything outside of my mind may not exist, and that the universe is just a show put on for me to watch. Kinda like I'm living alone in some kind of Matrix. xD The exact opposite of what the anime Haruhi Suzumiya says about it. That since we observe the universe, it exists.
Well, I can't say much on this, but I'll give it a go. "I think, therefore, I am" This emcompasses many things, but in reality the most simple meaning is "I exist because I think" Our thoughts are constantly working and perceiving the world. So I think this can also be aplied to perception. Are we really here? Or are we just a perception of someone who is? In any case the people around us think and consecuentially live. If the people around us were not real, then how could they shape our minds, as we interact with their persona? , but I'm straying from the subject. "I think, therefore, I am" probably is applied to the fact that as long as we think, we feel, we are real.
i think....therefore i am. well, Like how thought becomes action, action becomes habit, habit becomes character.
I agree with it. What doesn't exist, exists because...What exists is born or created from nonexistence. :3
hmm thinking back on this thread ive come up with something. our words at times can sometimes speak louder than our actions based on our individual perceptions of ourselves. therefore if we say we are something, then we sure as heck can do it cuz who knows us better than we know ourselves?
The phrase has never really meant that much to me, it's just something a very skeptical philosopher, who I'm gonna hafta study about, said. I've been more interested in the ethical and 'way-of-life' part of philosophy, to me it's more important to find ways to live a good, fulfilled life, and to try to make yourself in to a better person, rather than wondering am I actually here right know, typing this post (or by the time you're reading this, posting/spamming somewhere else...).
Ok, umm I think the idea behind it is that thought is powerful. It shows that we are not controlled. By putting our own ideas and opinions together we posses a higher power above animals and we also live our own lives. We express our individuality and existence through our thoughts.....I think, maybe.
