Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does Descartes consider as chief issues that ought to be demonstrated with the aid of philosophy in his 'Letter of Dedication'?
What does Descartes consider as chief issues that ought to be demonstrated with the aid of philosophy in his 'Letter of Dedication'?
- Existence of animals and plants
- Existence of aliens and outer space
- Existence of the human soul and God (correct)
- Existence of time and space
According to Descartes in his letter to Marin Mersenne, what is the implicit aim of the Meditations?
According to Descartes in his letter to Marin Mersenne, what is the implicit aim of the Meditations?
- To discuss theology and philosophy
- To explain the principles of Aristotle
- To present the foundations of his physics (correct)
- To elaborate on his physics theories
How does Descartes hope readers will react to his principles presented in the Meditations?
How does Descartes hope readers will react to his principles presented in the Meditations?
- Agree with them at once
- Reject them immediately
- Never understand them
- Gradually get used to them and recognize their truth (correct)
Which philosopher's physics is characterized by the belief that all matter is essentially of the same kind?
Which philosopher's physics is characterized by the belief that all matter is essentially of the same kind?
According to Aristotle, what is the essence of matter or bodies?
According to Aristotle, what is the essence of matter or bodies?
Which elements are considered as basic kinds of elements in Aristotle's physics?
Which elements are considered as basic kinds of elements in Aristotle's physics?
Why does the narrator reject the argument of withholding assent from all beliefs?
Why does the narrator reject the argument of withholding assent from all beliefs?
What beliefs does the narrator believe survive even the dream argument?
What beliefs does the narrator believe survive even the dream argument?
According to Descartes, what does the narrator use to argue against the idea that nothing can be certain?
According to Descartes, what does the narrator use to argue against the idea that nothing can be certain?
What is one reason the narrator provides for questioning the nature of reality?
What is one reason the narrator provides for questioning the nature of reality?
In what way does skepticism about reality challenge traditional beliefs?
In what way does skepticism about reality challenge traditional beliefs?
How does Descartes' argument about dreaming relate to his broader philosophical goals?
How does Descartes' argument about dreaming relate to his broader philosophical goals?
According to Descartes, what is the reason behind razing everything to the ground and starting anew in the sciences?
According to Descartes, what is the reason behind razing everything to the ground and starting anew in the sciences?
What is the basis of all of the narrator’s beliefs at this stage of the text?
What is the basis of all of the narrator’s beliefs at this stage of the text?
In the Sixth Meditation, Descartes argues that we can know that bodies exist with properties such as extension and movability because:
In the Sixth Meditation, Descartes argues that we can know that bodies exist with properties such as extension and movability because:
Why does the narrator decide to attack the principles that supported everything they once believed?
Why does the narrator decide to attack the principles that supported everything they once believed?
What does Descartes aim to achieve by calling all his beliefs into doubt?
What does Descartes aim to achieve by calling all his beliefs into doubt?
What main reason does the narrator provide for not completely trusting their senses?
What main reason does the narrator provide for not completely trusting their senses?
What does Descartes consider necessary to establish anything firm and lasting in the sciences?
What does Descartes consider necessary to establish anything firm and lasting in the sciences?
How does Descartes view beliefs that are not completely certain and indubitable?
How does Descartes view beliefs that are not completely certain and indubitable?
In standard form, what is the first premise of the skeptical argument presented?
In standard form, what is the first premise of the skeptical argument presented?
What conclusion does the narrator draw based on the skepticism towards their senses?
What conclusion does the narrator draw based on the skepticism towards their senses?
What properties constitute the essence of bodies according to Descartes?
What properties constitute the essence of bodies according to Descartes?
What happens if the foundations of the beliefs are not completely certain and indubitable?
What happens if the foundations of the beliefs are not completely certain and indubitable?
What does the Cogito principle prove?
What does the Cogito principle prove?
Can an evil demon trick you into doubting your existence?
Can an evil demon trick you into doubting your existence?
What remains dubitable after applying the Cogito principle?
What remains dubitable after applying the Cogito principle?
What is rationalism?
What is rationalism?
What is the main assertion of the Cogito principle?
What is the main assertion of the Cogito principle?
What can an evil demon trick you into believing?
What can an evil demon trick you into believing?
