Exam 1 - Descartes Flashcards
What is Meditation 1?
Concerning things that can be called into doubt
What is the main point of Meditation 1?
-doubt everything
-can’t rely on senses
-can’t tell if we’re dreaming
-Physics Astronomy and Medicine are doubtful because they rely on senses unlike arithmetic and geometry
-doubt comes from an evil genius who deceives
What is Meditation 2?
Concerning the nature of the human mind
What is the main point of Meditation 2?
-confirms own existence, can’t doubt if don’t exist
-concludes humans are thinking things
-wax example, melted but we still know its a candle, mind>senses, knowing>seeing
-we are our minds
What is Meditation 3?
Concerning God, that he exists
What is the main point of Meditation 3?
-Something can’t come from nothing, and reality doesn’t result from dreams
-3 levels of reality eminent, formal-subjective (real life, mentally, dreams?)
-if God is infinite, supreme, these concepts must come from God because its the opposite of us
-imperfect humans cannot create perfect God
What is Meditation 4?
Concerning Truth and Falsity
What is the main point of Meditation 4?
-2 ideas of freedom, ability to do or not do something, or freedom to decide with reason to do or not do something
-error and falsity come from us, not God
What is Meditation 5?
Essence of Material Things
What is the main point of Meditation 5?
-Material things occupy space, non-material things occupy mind
-we know the essence of triangles is 180 degrees angles
-God’s essence is that he is supremely perfect, existence is perfection, therefore God must exist
What is Meditation 6?
Concerning Existence of Material Things and distinction between Mind and Body
What is the main point of Meditation 6?
-Understanding>imagination
-there are many sensations that come from outside, therefore there is a reality beyond our understanding/perception
-Thinking self > physical self, we can live without our body, our mind defines us
-we can deceive ourselves with limited perception
