Arguing Against Descartes

Descartes had a strong belief in rationalism as well as a strange way in which he viewed the existence of god. Both of these can be argued well against. Hume said that reason was the "slave" or passions. He didn't hold reason to the same level as Descartes. When Descartes said, "I think therefore I am," Hume  maintained that he would be at least partially motivated by his emotions in saying this . Although Descartes would point to this as an excellent example of his reason, Hume would think differently. Perhaps Descartes only says this because he wants to exist. He wants to feel a content emotion, in knowing that he is a free thinking being. Another point in Descartes argument that could be attacked is his view of god. Descartes, to paraphrase, believed he could be certain of a perfect being, because that perfect being had created certainty in him. This example of circular reasoning does not stand up well to criticism.