A pondering thought many philosophical thinkers and thinkers of daily life come across is that of reality. Reality may be made up of many facets, otherwise known as the Cartesian Model of Reality developed by philosopher Rene Descartes in the late 1600s. Looking back at philosophical thinkers and their ideas may help us in solving problems within the world. On the other hand, they may completely confuse us and make us doubt reality. You decide.
Descartes' Cartesian model of reality begins at a system of doubt and Substance Dualism. Substance Dualism is made up of mind and body which are separate entities. These entities cannot alter each other. The mind is non-extended from the self, therefore it is undoubtable. On the other hand, the body is extended from the self therefore it is undoubtable. These Cartesian ideals allow us to doubt reality or the real world. This model introduces the idea that we can doubt our body, our physical existence but can rely on our minds. So, if we can doubt our physical existence, shouldn’t we doubt the world of which we live in.
To break down this idea in applied to solving problems within society, Descartes presented the idea of nature or our surroundings represented by a giant clock. He would break down the facets of nature, condense them to smaller explanations and re-create nature with different definitional factors to the parts allowing him to "fix" them. This is a mechanistic view, breaking down current issues within the world to find singular solutions.
Breaking down nature to the makings of a clock is a linear way of thinking, making this a solution to any problem in a small scope. For example, if a spring in the clock does not work then replace it, problem solved. Beginning at doubt with Descartes’ Cartesian model of reality, one doubts the structure of anything, even doubting the structure of this clock. In the case of doubting reality, you doubt its containing factors which includes the structure of humankind. Does the part of the clock that is broken exist? Does the problem within society or the world exist?
Viewing the world or reality as a clock, in relation to fixing problems, only fixes small parts. Fixing the whole makes for a healthier people and society. If problems were fixed at their true cores than any problems would eventually be eliminated. This is so because if the toxic components are being eliminated in the beginning then other toxic components are unable to develop.
The perception of the modern day person must be altered to see this problem as a blanketing problem that effects more than one facet of society. The problem is the whole clock not the small piece that is broken. Once this is achieved, problems will disappear over time allowing for a healthier life for our later generations. The modern day person should have care in this planet in how it will look in a great deal of time, even if they will not be there to see it. The perception of ecological interconnectedness is key. This may be the answer so many people have been pondering in their everyday lives of reality.
