Quiz 1 Flashcards
Why is it easy to understand the unity of the mind and body?
Because in the actions of ordinary life, we are already familiar with the phenomena of sensation and voluntary action, which demonstrates unity
Why is is difficult to understand the unity of the body and mind? (2pt)
According to Descarts, because we can only scientifically use one basic notion at a time, so when we ask about mind and body, we’re applying two different basic notions
What are two kinds of knowledgeable we can have of mind?
(1) knowledge arising from the basic notion of thought
(2)Knowledge arising from the basic notion of the unity of thought and extension
What is the key to thinking scientifically?
carefully use each basic notion only to explain the phenomena is properly applies to
What is a Basic Notion?
Templates on which all our other knowledge is based
What question does Elisabeth pose to Descartes?
“Given that the soul of a human being is only a thinking substance, how can is affect the bodily spirits, inorder to bring about voluntary functions” –> How can an immaterial thing and a material thing interact?
Why does Descartes think the functions of the mind are especially localized? (1pt)
The mind has to be associated with our anatomy so there must be sensory inputs and motor outputs coming from a central source
Where does Descartes think the functions of the mind are especially localized?
Pineal gland
Why can the mind NOT be localized?
(1) Only extended things can be localized
(2) the mind is not an extended thing
Why can the mind be localized? (2pts?)
There are mental functions that are associated with particular parts of the body (notably parts of the brain
What does Descartes mean when he speaks of the mind being the body as a ‘sailor is in a ship’?
It’s a metaphor that indicates that mind and body form a union. A sailor cannot feel the sea spray again a ship, but our mind can ‘feel’ the water if we dip our toe in it’
What are two ways that the mind could possibly relate to the body?
Sensation and Voluntary Action?
How do we know that there is a nature separate to extension according to Leibniz? (Response to Epicureanism)
(1) through internal experience we know that we are conscious
(2) consciousness can’t be explained by modifications of extension
.: there is a nature separate from extensions
What is Cartesian Dualism?
the thesis that there are two kinds of substance (body/mind) and that they are distinguished by possessing the natures of extension and thought
What is a Nature/Essence?
Type of property that makes something a kind of thing (categorization) (ex: two coins in pocket; there are two substances and one nature)
What is a Property/Attribute?
a thing that exists in such a way that it does depend on something else for its existence
What is Substance?
Technical term for a thing (it exists), it interacts with stuff (sweater)
What is the definition of Thought according to Descartes?
Everything we are consciously aware of
What do we learn about our experience from philosophy and the sciences?
We learn that what we perceive in experience are images in our mind rather than objects in the external world
What is the natural instinct we have regarding the senses?
(1) That there is an external world whose nature and existence is independent from our experiences
(2) What we perceive in our experience is this external world
What does ‘trite argument’ prove according to Hume?
That we cannot rely on senses alone but must correct our observations by rational consideration of relevant factors affecting them
What is an example of a ‘trite’ argument for skepticism consequent to enquiry?
Straight objects look crooked when half-inserted in water
What is the Skepticism Consequent to Enquiry?
is when we have reasons to be doubtful that result from our inquiries into the word
What is the Skepticism Antecedent to Enquiry?
when we have reasons to be doubtful prior to engaging in our enquiries into the world
Does Dreaming Skepticism suggest that there’s nothing we can be sure really exists?
According to Descartes, no, even in dreams we are certain something exists. Because all of our experiences (even in dreams) are composed of something.
What is the General Testimony of the Senses?
That there are physical objects outside of us
What is the Common Skepticism about the Senses?
That our senses can deceive us
Do any of our ideas resemble anything in the objects that cause them?
Yes
What is a Secondary Quality?
Qualities which are not in bodies themselves, but only in their relations to us (ex: colours, smells)
What is a Primary Quality?
Qualities that are wholly inseparable from the object (ex: motion, extension)
What is a Quality?
The power an object has to produce an idea in us
What is an Idea?
What the mind perceives immediately in itself
What is the definition of Understanding
Mind or conciousness
What is the common Prejudice on Descartes thesis on sensation?
That our sensations are completely like the things that produce them
What is Descartes thesis on sensation?
There can be a difference between our sensations and what produces our sensations/ they need not resemble one another
What produces sensation?
Something in our objects perceived by our senses that causes us to have sensations of them
What is sensation?
An idea we form in our imagination and through our senses
