perception of wax
...ith them. But, because humans rely on the senses so much, more is known about the body than the mind. Human beings find that if they see something, then it is present. However, what is truly known about wax is not based on the senses; it is instead based on what Descartes refers to as “the faculty of judgment,” which, to him, is a part of the mind. This begins the answer to the next question: “How do we know what we know about wax?” It is now understood that wax can take on a variety of dimensions which the imagination cannot fathom. One must also realize that objects are not perceived via the senses. However, even though one’s senses may be deceptive at times, it is impossible to perceive any object in any sense without the mind. Therefore, it is shown that what is known about wax is perceived through the mind, not the imagination. Also, the perception of the wax through the mind becomes more distinct if the person perceiving it closely examines the components of the wax, even if the perceptions he or she develops are incorrect, which also enhances the knowledge of the human mind. Conversely, there are aspects of the wax that cannot be truly known. These aspects are those perceived through the senses. Although perception through the senses is important because it proves the existence of the human mind, sensory observations are not always reliable. Such sensory observations include those such as color, taste, smell, and shape. Through these sensory observations, only one proof emerges: a person with the ability to perceive must exist. For example, if a man perceives that a piece of wax is golden-yellow in color, then the man has the ability to perceive, and therefore he exists. However, just because the man perceives a piece of golden-yellow wax, does not mean that the wax truly exists. As Descartes states, “It could happen that [he] has no eyes with which to see anything.” But, as long as there is perception involved, t...