Epistemology: 07. Evaluations of Intuition and Deduction Flashcards
What metaphor does Leibniz use to describe human knowledge?
We are born as a block of veined marble
This metaphor suggests that humans have inherent potential and qualities that can be shaped by experience.
What is the main objection to Descartes’ Cogito Argument?
The evil demon could deceive Descartes about self-evident truths
If the demon can fool him about simple arithmetic, he could also mislead him about the certainty of his own existence.
What does Hume’s Fork suggest about a priori thought?
It can only be certain about analytic statements
This implies that Descartes’ conclusions may rely more on experience than on rational intuition.
What is a potential flaw in Descartes’ inference regarding what we can doubt in his cogito?
We could doubt our ability to doubt or the existence of an ‘I’ in thinking
This raises questions about the validity of his conclusions.
What is the Cartesian Circle?
Circular reasoning in confirming clear and distinct ideas through God’s existence
Descartes claims that because God exists, we can trust our clear and distinct ideas, which he initially used to prove God’s existence (God exists as he is a clear and distinct idea).
What is a criticism of the concept of understanding in Descartes’ arguments?
It’s questioned if a concept can be invented without fully understanding it
For instance, the ability to conceive of numbers suggests an understanding of infinity.
What is a key point in the Cosmological Argument against Descartes?
There may be no need for God in explaining existence
If the world is simply real, our existence could be based on the world itself.
According to Hume’s Fork, what type of claims are considered contingent?
Claims about existence
This contrasts with Descartes’ assertion that God has necessary existence.
What objections are ther to the Ontological Argument about claims regarding God?
Claims about a being’s nature are true only if they are the case
Simply stating ‘God must exist’ does not guarantee God’s existence.
What question arises from the idea of supreme perfection in the Ontological Argument?
Why does being supremely perfect entail existence?
This challenges the assumption that perfection requires existence.
What is the implication of direct realism in relation to skepticism?
It suggests that if direct realism is correct, skepticism is irrelevant
This means we perceive the world accurately and cannot doubt it.
What does the evil demon hypothesis challenge in Descartes’ philosophy?
It challenges the reliability of logic and mathematics
If the demon can manipulate perceptions, then our clarity about the world is in question.
What is a recommended activity to engage with Descartes’ arguments?
Build a dialogue and discuss objections to his arguments
This collaborative approach can help evaluate the strength of intuitions and deductions.
