K&D - Descartes Meditation 1 Evaluation Flashcards
Sceptical Arguments:
Strengths
1
Partial Rejection of Senses
Sceptical Arguments:
Weaknesses
3
- Correction of Sense Deception
- Asymmetrical Dreaming Argument
- Inclusion of Evil Demon
Method of Doubt:
Strengths
1
Rigorous Approach
Method of Doubt:
Weaknesses
4
- Too Rigorous
- Hyperbolic Doubt
- Foundationalism
- Insincere
Sceptical Argument Strength:
Partial Rejection of Senses
It’s responsible of Descartes to not immediately dismiss all empirical knowledge because of its occasional deception
Sceptical Argument Weaknesses:
Correction of Sense Deception
3
- Unreasonable to disregard deceiving senses as our logical brains can correct sense deception
- Example: if we observe something from a distance it would seem small, but as we move closer our senses correct themsleves and acknowledge its regular size
- Shows how logic can be used to overcome sense deception - important for Descartes to acknowledge this as a rationalist
Sceptical Argument Weaknesses:
Asymmetrical Dreaming Argument
3
- Claims that we cannot tell the difference between being awake and dreaming, but this is asymmetrical
- We can’t tell the difference between dreaming and being awake as we are dreaming, but when we are awake the difference is clear - more vivid, dreams contain absurdities
- Major fault because Descartes hasn’t disproved a posteriori knowledge therefore
Sceptical Argument Weaknesses:
Asymmetrical Dreaming Argument - Counter Response
2
- Perhaps not as damaging as later arguments (evil demon) will disprove a posteriori knowledge anyway
- Still shows error in the structure/form of Descartes’ argument - better to admit that senses don’t always deceive us and address this within the evil demon
Sceptical Argument Weaknesses:
Inclusion of Evil Demon
Method of Doubt Strength:
Rigorous Approach
Descartes is actively considering any beliefs which could possibly be doubted to be false, showing his commitment to finding certain knowledge
Method of Doubt Weaknesses:
Too Rigorous
Doubt is a normal part of our lives – it’s unreasonable to assume that everything that could be doubted, even by using an extreme hypothesis like the evil demon, is false
Method of Doubt Weaknesses:
Hyperbolic Doubt
Rigorous approach leaves Descartes in hyperbolic doubt, a state where he knows nothing for certain, and it would be incredibly hard for Descartes to move on from this
Method of Doubt Weaknesses:
Foundationalism
Method of Doubt Weaknesses:
Insincere
