FIRST PROOF FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD: CAUSE OF THE IDEA OF PERFECTION

The simplicity of “I think” is a starting point for investigating a complexity. Although the “I” is present to itself in the various modes of consciousness, the fact that it has such modes shows that, without being divisible like material organisms, consciousness is complex. This complexity can be scientifically understood only if we proceed from the simplest element of consciousness, clarified and identified step-by-step in contrast with what is not it—both with nonthinking substances and with its own internal imperfection, negativity, or lack. After establishing the initial point of departure, we then introduce more elements of this complexity in an order that allows for maximum intelligibility. We begin then with “I” or self-awareness in all its simplicity and unity abstracted from all the modes and objects of consciousness and the relation this consciousness has with material things. Descartes begins with an external contrast, and then proceeds to an internal one. He clarifies the nature of self-consciousness by contrasting the unity of self-awareness with the multiplicity of its objects, and its self-identity with the divisibility of matter. We then turn to an inner contrast between the imperfection of the “I” and the perfection that makes awareness of this imperfection possible.

The next step is to ask what explains the existence within the imperfect being that we experience ourselves to be of this idea of perfection that is the underlying condition for this expanded self-awareness that “I” am not perfect. Logically, the concept of an imperfect, lacking self that is subject to illusion supposes an idea of perfection. If I were wholly immersed in illusion I would not even have the concept of illusion. The idea of imperfection is a necessary implication of this awareness of illusion. But perhaps the idea of perfection is itself merely a higher-order illusion invented by the imperfect being to give it the false but comforting thought that there is something more than ignorance and deception. Am I then the source of the idea of perfection?

But how can a being that is so obviously and clearly imperfect itself have produced the idea of perfection? The heroic notion that human beings create ideals to spur themselves on to greater achievements presupposes an idea of heroism, of greatness, in the first place.