Philosophy Chapter 9: The Rationalist Descartes

Study Notes

Key Concepts in Rationalism and Philosophy

A Posteriori Knowledge
Empirical knowledge obtained from sensory experience; lacks universality due to variations in perceivers and changing factual relationships.
A Priori Ideas (Innate Ideas)
Truths independent of observation and experience, considered certain and universally true, serving as a foundation for deduction.
A Priori Knowledge
Knowledge gained solely through reason, without reliance on sensory experience; exemplified by assertions such as "All triangles have 180°" and "Every event has a cause."
Cogito, Ergo Sum
Latin expression meaning "I think, therefore I am," symbolizing the foundation of self-awareness and existence in rationalist thought.
Coherence Theory of Truth
A method of determining truth based on logical consistency and the relation of new ideas to established ones, facilitating a rational evaluation of concepts.
Dualism
A philosophical viewpoint that asserts the division of existence into two distinct substances, often contrasting mind and body.
Materialism
The doctrine that all existence is reducible to physical matter and energy; perceives all human behavior as mechanistic, equating thinking to physical processes.
Methodic Doubt
Descartes' technique of systematically doubting all beliefs to uncover irrefutable truths, aiming for foundational certainty in knowledge.
Monism
Philosophical position stating that all entities consist of a single, ultimate substance, whether material or spiritual.
Ontological Argument
A philosophical argument attempting to prove God's existence by analyzing the concept of God or a specific quality attributed to the divine.
Pluralism
The belief in the existence of multiple realities or substances, countering the simplifications of monism.
Rationalism
An epistemological stance prioritizing reason as the main source of knowledge, asserting its superiority over sensory evidence and its role in discerning reality from illusion.

Description

Explore the key concepts from Chapter 9 of 'Archetypes of Wisdom.' This quiz focuses on Rene Descartes' rationalism, highlighting terms such as a posteriori knowledge and a priori ideas. Understanding these foundational concepts is crucial for grasping philosophical inquiries into knowledge.