ing for, I think, I am. The simple fact that he thinks, which cannot be doubted, is the proof that he exists. Even if there is an evil genius deceiving him, the fact that there is some thing to be deceived proves that he exists. But what is this I? Of what parts is it made of and how does it relate to reality, or a perception of it?The I is made of several parts. The first he recognizes as a body. He has hands, arms, and feet that he can easily claim as his own. Descartes recognizes them as the same parts as can be seen on a corpse. He describes a body as all that is capable of being bounded by some shape, of being enclosed in a place, and of filling up a space in such a way as to exclude any other body from it; of being perceived by touch, sight, hearing, taste, or smell; of being moved in several ways, not, of course, by itself, but by whatever else impinges upon it. The body cannot sense, move, or think on its own these attributes belong to the other parts. The ability to eat, move, and sense can all be linked to the soul. However, although Descartes can state these characteristics of the soul he cannot define nor claim to understand it. He likens the soul to wind, fire, or ether none of which he can deny or explain. The last and most important part of the I is the mind. It is the thinking thing that proves his existence. An evil genius could trick him into believing this body is his when it is not, but his mind cannot be replaced nor absent without a loss of existence. Also, the mind and soul can sense and move, as they do in dreams, while the body remains motionless, almost absent. Now, he has some understanding of what the I is, but how does it relate to, function in, and perceive reality? What faculties does the I use to recognize and judge things? It can sense things through seeing, smelling, tasting It can also imagine, which is the contemplation of the shape or image of a corporeal thing.Descartes uses wax a...
