The Rationlism Of Descartes

Question 1

What was Descartes Goal?

Answer 1

Descartes was looking to develop a system of philosophy that would offer him the same certainty he found in mathematics

Question 2

What was the ultimate thing Descartes was looking for to build his entire thinking on?

Answer 2

Absolute certain truth

Question 3

Describe Descartes system of doubt and why he created it (based on what he said in his written text)

Answer 3

Descartes created the system of doubt because he states that everything he has learned up to now (ideas and impressions on his mind) have been learned by the senses. Descartes system of doubt involves doubting everything he has learned through his senses, since his senses have deceived him in the past

Question 4

What is the one truth Descartes is left with that he cannot doubt?

Answer 4

Descartes is doubting, and this requires thinking. Descartes is a “thinking thing”

Question 5

What is deductive reasoning? How does it occur

Answer 5

Deductive reasoning evaluates deductive arguments. It uses reason to come to a conclusion that is certain beyond a doubt. Deductive reasoning involves examining one statement to the next.

Question 6

Why do we use deductive reasoning?

Answer 6

Because every deductive argument is based on facts and statements that are assumed to be true. Descartes says that all knowledge can be obtained in this way

Question 7

How is deductive reasoning different from deductive arguments

Answer 7

Deductive reasoning is a more intensive process that uses rationalism and epistemology. It’s a method we use to move from general facts to a specific conclusion. Deductive arguments are based on logic- they are the actual statements or claims

Question 8

How is Plato different from Descartes?

Answer 8

-Plato believes that knowledge is innate
-Descartes quest for knowledge is based on systemic doubt (an example of sceptical argument)