[dan1123]

If I smash your finger with a hammer, I guarantee that you will 'know' that hammer exists

Why? Because your senses perceive pain and that is somehow more valid than any other senses?

You make the assumptions that there exists an objective reality by which our senses give us generally valid information. Even "I think therefore I am" Descartes had to invoke God in order to justify an external reality.

[LeGrande]

You make the assumptions that there exists an objective reality by which our senses give us generally valid information. Even "I think therefore I am" Descartes had to invoke God in order to justify an external reality.

You are confusing logic and mental constructs with reality. I will grant you that my mental construct of reality is not reality, but my senses and mental constructs are robust enough to determine that an objective reality exists.

I am reminded of the story of Moses healing the sick with the serpent around the staff. I see it with a twist. All we have to do to be saved is to open our eyes and see reality for what it actually is. Where God asks you to deny reality and believe in faith.

[goat granny]

"I think therefore I am" Descartes had to invoke God in order to justify an external reality."

Had to read Descartes, Hume and several Greek philosophers in Philosophy 101.

But saying "I think therefore I am" simply means There are no democrats in the world.."I don't think therefore I am not" We just imagine them....:O)