Quote from P. F. Pugh
Calvin here is, I think, assuming an epistemology because he's writing theology, not philosophy. If we are to have a theology then naturally we would start with God. However, in philosophy we have to start with ourselves because that is all we have to start with (Cogito Ergo Sum).
Starting with fallen, finite and fallible human thinking logically leads to utter scepticism and ninlism.
If man wasn't fallen, e.g. an unfallen philosopher, God would be the most real thing in his world. He would say, Because God exists therefore I know, because God exists therefore I am.
Even in his fallen state, God is still presupposed, while at the same time being often denied, in e.g. Man's use of logic, science and morality.
Without his knowledge of God, hypothetically speaking, the best Descartes could have really said would be, "Thinking is happening". As to the Cogito if Descartes smelled, he may have been as well saying, "I stink therefore I am," because the sensation of stinking would be as much evidence of his existence as the sensation of thinking.
As it is, without his innate knowledge of God, Descartes could neither have concluded Cogito ergo sum or I stink therefore I am.
Richard
communicant member, FCoS
Perth, Scotland UK
His Name forever shall endure;
last like the sun it shall:
Men shall be blessed in Him,
and blessed all nations shall Him call (Ps. 72:17)
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