Consciousness and faculties in De antiquissima Italorum sapientia by Vico
Advances in Consciousness Research August 7, 2012 Geri Cerchiai
Against Descartes' rationalism, Vico argues that the clear and distinct idea cannot serve as a criterion of truth for the cogito, because it mistakenly substitutes God's understanding (intelligere) for human thinking (cogitare). Descartes' method of doubt also ignores the essential link between mind and body in humans, and rests on a flawed notion of substance. The article examines these four criticisms and explores what theory of consciousness might be implied by Vico's alternative reflections.