PHIL 2P05   Philosophy assignment about Descartes  

PHIL 2P05                                          ESSAY 1 QUESTIONS

This essay is worth 20% of your final grade and is due in class on October 21. It should be 1800–2000 words, double-space, size 12 font, with a title and a bibliography.

Your essay will present an argument for a thesis. It should have two parts (although these parts may be integrated). The first part willoffer a critical summary or explanation of the passage(s) relevant to your question. The second part will develop an argument and offer reasons to support your thesis. You will be graded on the accuracy of your exegesis and the persuasiveness of your argument (and the quality and structure of your writing, in so far as it contributes or fails to contribute to these goals). This is your chance to really engage with the text. Be creative! Be critical!

All essays are to be submitted to Turnitin.com. Late essays will be penalized 5% per day, although extensions might be granted if requested in a timely fashion.

1. Explain and evaluate Descartes’ Dreaming Argument (AT VII 19–20). What is it intended to show? How does Descartes ultimately think we can distinguish waking life from dreaming (AT VII 89–90)? Is this solution plausible?

2. In the Second Meditation, Descartes arrives at his indubitable first principle: “I think, I exist” (AT VII 25),elsewhere stated as “I think, therefore I am.” What is the basis for Descartes’ knowledge of his own existence? Is it the result of an inference (as his use of “therefore” might suggest), or did he come to know it in some other way? If the former, how is his knowledge compatible with the possible existence of a deceiving God? If the latter, how is his knowledge to be understood?

3. What is Descartes’ discussion of the Wax Block (AT VII 30–31) intended to show? Does it do this successfully? Why or why not?

4. Explain and evaluate one of Descartes’ arguments for God’s existence.

5. In the Fourth Meditation Descartes considers the problem of error: how do we reconcile the fact of human error with the existence of a benevolent and omnipotent God? What is Descartes’ solution to this problem? Is it successful?

6. Explain and evaluate Descartes’ argument for the real distinction of mind and body(AT VII 78). Do you find it persuasive? Why or why not?