2024.12.09 - PHIL - FINAL - REVIEW I MADE FOR MYSELF - DECARTES 1-6 PRACTICE ESSAY Flashcards
Why does Descartes think it is necessary to doubt all his beliefs?
To find indubitable truths, as beliefs based on doubtful foundations are unreliable. Doubts arise from deceptive senses, indistinguishable dreams, and the possibility of an evil deceiver.
What reasons does Descartes give for doubting sensory experience?
Senses have deceived us before and anything that deceives cannot be fully trusted. The dream argument shows sensory experiences can be indistinguishable from dreams.
What is the Evil Deceiver Hypothesis?
The possibility of a powerful being who deceives us about everything, including mathematical truths like 2+2=4.
How does Descartes overcome doubt using his own mind?
Through the realization ‘I think, therefore I am.’ Doubting requires thinking, and thinking requires a thinker, making his existence as a thinking thing indubitable.
What does the wax example demonstrate?
Knowledge of objects like wax comes from intellect, not senses, as sensory properties change but the wax remains understood as wax.
How does Descartes prove the existence of God?
Through the causal argument: The idea of an infinite, perfect being cannot originate in a finite, imperfect being like Descartes. Therefore, God must exist.
What is Descartes’ Ontological Argument for God?
God is defined as a being with all perfections, including existence. Since existence is part of God’s essence, God necessarily exists.
How does the proof of God’s existence raise the problem of error?
If God is perfect and non-deceptive, why does Descartes make errors? This leads to an exploration of the misuse of faculties like will and intellect.
What is the source of human error according to Descartes?
Error arises when the will affirms or denies ideas beyond what the intellect perceives clearly and distinctly.
How does Descartes argue for mathematical truths?
Mathematical truths are clear and distinct, independent of Descartes’ mind, and guaranteed by God’s non-deceptive nature.
How does Descartes prove corporeal reality exists?
Through the distinction between imagination and intellect, involuntary sensations, and God’s non-deceptive nature, which inclines us to believe in external objects.
Why is imagination distinct from intellect?
Imagination relies on external objects and forms, while intellect contemplates internal ideas, showing they are separate faculties.
How does sensation support the existence of corporeal reality?
Sensation is involuntary, and its source cannot be within the thinking mind. God, as non-deceptive, would not create sensations without external causes.
What is the role of God in guaranteeing truth?
God, as a perfect and non-deceptive being, ensures that clear and distinct perceptions, like mathematical truths, are reliable.
What is Descartes’ final conclusion about corporeal reality?
Corporeal reality necessarily exists, as denying it would imply God is a deceiver, which contradicts God’s perfection.
