Abstract

Rene Descartes does not leave anyone in doubt with respect to the dialectical or organic structure of his arguments. This is most exemplified in his ontological argument in the fifth meditation. His ontological argument has an essential organic connection with and dependence on the arguments before it, some of his arguments in his other works, his replies to his critics and his scholastic background. Many Cartesian scholars and students while treating his ontological arguments attempt with their objections to fracture this its unique organic phenomenon. It is my contention that they are unsuccessful. ;That not withstanding, I do not, however, want to give the impression that the dialectical or organic structure of his ontological argument is flawless. In fact, the contrary is the case. It has some inherent crippling weaknesses. Many of the arguments that make up the structure are invalid and unsound. On account of this the whole organic structure collapses