The Latin phrase

The Latin phrase cogito ergo sum (trans. "I think, therefore I am") is possibly the single best-known philosophical statement and is attributed to René Descartes. The argument that is usually summarized as "cogito ergo sum" appears in Meditations on First Philosophy, in which Descartes attempts to build an entire philosophical system from scratch, with no prior assumptions. In order to begin this undertaking, he reasons that since all his beliefs were derived from potentially misleading sense data or potentially fallacious logic, he would trust nothing he had previously taken to be true. That is to say, he would systematically doubt all that could conceivably be doubted. However, this leads him to discover that the one thing that he cannot doubt is his own existence. After all, he claims, something nonexistent is incapable even of the act of doubting. Thus the formulation, "I think, therefore I am", was the starting point of his philosophy. Although the ideas expressed in cogito ergo sum are most commonly associated with Descartes, they were present in many of his antecedents, especially Saint Augustine in De Civitate Dei (books XI, 26) who makes this argument, and anticipates modern refutations of it. See, Principia Philosophiae, §7: "Ac proinde haec cognitio, ego cogito, ergo sum, est omnium prima et certissima etc."

What A Shame

I spent a good deal of the weekend looking at new weblog software. None of it was very promising. I keep leaning towards Movable Type, but the install looks so nasty and then trying to get a nice template together would take weeks. I don't really have many comments, so I figure that I'll live with Blogger for a while longer.It's Spring again. At least that's what my head is telling me. I've had sinus headaches for days now. Between bloody noses, dripping sinuses, itchy eyes, and sneezing I should buy stock in Kleenex.We're headed north to see my family for Easter. I'm a bit upset that we rearranged our schedules to come for Easter to see my sister's baby baptized and now it's not going to happen. I'd much rather had come over Memorial Day like we had planned and spent a few days with my family. Oh well.We got Kelly's website up and running last night. She did a great job. We've found a few bugs that she still needs to work on, but I think it ought to get her an A.More when I have time.

WE'RE GOING TO WALT DISNEY WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!

WE'RE GOING TO WALT DISNEY WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!! After figuring taxes and year end bonuses, we have most of the money we need for a much needed vacation! We're headed south the first week of May and are looking forward to some fun in the sun. Not much else going on here. I have still been racing slot cars with my father-in-law. I bought a track of my own (SCX Pole Position box set) to practice with at home. I guess dumping money into this is better than spending it on cd's and games that I hardly ever listen to or play with. And God knows I don't NEED anymore tech gadgets, but there is always something new and cool to desire. Valentine's day went well. We went out to eat at Macaroni Grill. That was about it. I can't believe that its almost March. Lent will be here soon. I doubt that I partake in the Bacchanalian celebrations, but I do miss those days when I had no cares or worries and could do so. Not sure if I'm giving up for lent or will be doing something else. I still have a few days to decide. I do want to observe the fasting rules (meatless Friday, Ash Wednesday Fasting, etc). We'll see how it goes. cheap spanish holiday florida discounted dental care florida discount health careoutdoor villa lighting