18. In your own words, explain Cartesian dualism and how it gives rise to the mind-body problem.
- This idea of Cartesian dualism seems a bit far fetched. I dont even know how someone can argue that physical matter cant be felt in reality. Hah its beyond me...
19. In your own words, explain and evaluate Descartes's solution to the mind-body problem.
- Again, I dont know how Descartes can seriously try to logically prove that the mind and body function independently. Its hard for me to see. And probably most other people...
20. In your own words, explain and evaluate the arguments for and against physicalism (or materialism).
- Physicalism is basically matter or objects (Rocks, etc..) I think if you combine the two then matter can be (smelled, seen, tasted, etc) by the other senses.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Decartes Part 2
11. Explain Descartes's philosophical method and his justification for that method.
- Descartes was an expert in Mathematics; that being said, he applied various concepts of mathematics to his philosophical ideas structure. I think one of Descartes' greatest strengths was that he never assumed anything, due to this practice he always had concrete foundation because he started off with a certain fact.
12. Explain Descartes's arguments why the senses cannot be the foundation of knowledge.
- Descartes believed that sens cannot be the foundation of knowledge. This is mainly attributed to the Evil Genius doubt. He believes everyone is given "flawed cognitive faculties," (which, ironically, I am assuming he means sense) therefore senses cannot be the foundation of knowledge.
13. Explain exactly why Descartes, a rationalist, cannot use mathematics as a foundation for knowledge.
- Descartes believed that his senses would be fooling him. Descartes is a complicated dude.. haha
14. Explain Descartes's famous "Cogito ergo sum" argument.
- "Cogito ergo sum" means I think therefore, I am (exist). Descartes assumed nothing. The one thing he knew was absolutely true was that he existed. He knew this because of his ability to think.
15. Explain how Descartes uses wax to establish the existence of an innate idea.
- He basically got a piece of wax and described it using sensory information. However when that wax is heated up and melted, you can no longer use that sensory information correctly and describe it as wax. The only way to know this for sure is to use its "intrinsic source."
16. Explain Descartes's "concept of perfection" argument against the existence of the evil genius.
- According to Descartes, a perfect being doesn't exist. If one did, according to Descartes' philosophy, i think we would not have "flawed cognitive faculties."
17. Explain Descartes's argument for the existence of the physical world.
- Im not sure about this one, but it seems as though, Descartes contradicts himself. That the physical world doesnt exist because our senses can be tricked into believing there is one. Then says that there is a physical world, using sensory information, saying that it could be reliable at times. This is very frusterating, whos to distinguish between what sensory information could be reliable and some unreliable.
- Descartes was an expert in Mathematics; that being said, he applied various concepts of mathematics to his philosophical ideas structure. I think one of Descartes' greatest strengths was that he never assumed anything, due to this practice he always had concrete foundation because he started off with a certain fact.
12. Explain Descartes's arguments why the senses cannot be the foundation of knowledge.
- Descartes believed that sens cannot be the foundation of knowledge. This is mainly attributed to the Evil Genius doubt. He believes everyone is given "flawed cognitive faculties," (which, ironically, I am assuming he means sense) therefore senses cannot be the foundation of knowledge.
13. Explain exactly why Descartes, a rationalist, cannot use mathematics as a foundation for knowledge.
- Descartes believed that his senses would be fooling him. Descartes is a complicated dude.. haha
14. Explain Descartes's famous "Cogito ergo sum" argument.
- "Cogito ergo sum" means I think therefore, I am (exist). Descartes assumed nothing. The one thing he knew was absolutely true was that he existed. He knew this because of his ability to think.
15. Explain how Descartes uses wax to establish the existence of an innate idea.
- He basically got a piece of wax and described it using sensory information. However when that wax is heated up and melted, you can no longer use that sensory information correctly and describe it as wax. The only way to know this for sure is to use its "intrinsic source."
16. Explain Descartes's "concept of perfection" argument against the existence of the evil genius.
- According to Descartes, a perfect being doesn't exist. If one did, according to Descartes' philosophy, i think we would not have "flawed cognitive faculties."
17. Explain Descartes's argument for the existence of the physical world.
- Im not sure about this one, but it seems as though, Descartes contradicts himself. That the physical world doesnt exist because our senses can be tricked into believing there is one. Then says that there is a physical world, using sensory information, saying that it could be reliable at times. This is very frusterating, whos to distinguish between what sensory information could be reliable and some unreliable.
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