The Role of the Concept of God

Write a paper on one of the following topics. Your aim is to present a known philosophical view from our course readings and argue for your view on the subject. At least half your paper should consist in explaining a view, or set of views, we’ve covered concerning Descartes and Hume (e.g., rationalism, empiricism, Descartes’ use of God as a concept and the work the concept does in his philosophical system, Hume's distinction between “relations of ideas” and “matters of fact”, etc.).
What role does the concept “God” play in Descartes’ Meditations? Determine if the role is metaphysical, epistemic or both and explain it. If Hume is atheist or agnostic, why does it follow from his epistemic orient

Full Answer Section

Metaphysically, Descartes uses God to explain the nature of reality. He argues that God is a perfect being and that the world was created by God. This means that the world is also perfect, in the sense that it is the best possible world that God could have created.

Ethically, Descartes uses God to provide a foundation for morality. He argues that God is the source of all good and that we should strive to live in accordance with God's will.

Role of God in Descartes’ system

The role of God in Descartes' system is both metaphysical and epistemic. Metaphysically, God is the creator and sustainer of the universe. Epistemically, God is the guarantor of our knowledge of the external world.

Hume's epistemology and atheism

David Hume was a British philosopher who lived in the 18th century. He is best known for his criticism of metaphysics and his emphasis on the importance of experience.

Hume's epistemology is based on the idea that all knowledge comes from experience. He argues that there are no innate ideas and that we can only know what we have experienced.

Hume's atheism follows from his epistemology. He argues that there is no empirical evidence for the existence of God. Therefore, we cannot rationally believe that God exists.

Conclusion

Descartes' use of God as a concept is central to his philosophical system. He uses God to ground his epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics. Hume's epistemology is based on the idea that all knowledge comes from experience. He argues that there is no empirical evidence for the existence of God. Therefore, we cannot rationally believe that God exists.

It is important to note that there are many different interpretations of Descartes' and Hume's philosophies. The above is just one possible interpretation.

Sample Answer

Here is a possible essay topic:**

Descartes’ use of God as a concept and the work the concept does in his philosophical system

Descartes' use of God as a concept is central to his philosophical system. He uses God to ground his epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics.

Epistemologically, Descartes uses God to guarantee the existence of the external world. In his Meditations on First Philosophy, he famously argues that the only thing he can be certain of is his own existence. However, he then goes on to argue that if God exists and is not a deceiver, then the external world must exist as well. This is because God would not deceive us into thinking that the external world exists if it did not actually exist.