Senses Deceive Us
What does Descartes say sometimes gives us false information?
the senses
Why can’t we always tell if we’re dreaming or awake?
Because dreams can feel just as real as waking experiences.
What is Cartesian Circle
A circular argument where he uses the existence of the “non-deceiving” God to guarantee the perceptions are true.
What is the Latin phrase for “I think, therefore I am”?
Cogito, ergo sum.
What object does Descartes use to explain knowledge of physical things?
A piece of Wax.
Give one example of how our senses can trick us.
Things look smaller far away, or a stick looks bent in water.
What does the dream argument show about our senses?
That sensory experience alone cannot prove reality.
Who does Descartes imagine could be deceiving him about everything?
An evil demon
What is an assumption accepted without proof, used as a foundation for reasoning?
Axiom
Even though the wax changes completely, why do we know it’s still the same wax?
Even if it changes shape, the foundation of the wax remains the same.
Why does Descartes think we should be cautious about trusting the senses?
Because they have deceived us before, and it’s wise not to trust something that deceives even once.
How does this argument deepen Descartes’ doubt compared to the senses argument?
It shows that all perceptions — not just some — could be false if we’re dreaming.
What kind of deception could this demon cause?
It could make him believe false things, even in math and logic. (2+3+5 could be wrong)
Why can Descartes not doubt his own existence?
Because even doubting proves that he is thinking — and to think, he must exist.
How does the wax example illustrate a problem relying on our senses?
Since the sensory qualities in the wax change, leaving our senses unreliable as a source of knowledge about the wax staying the same.
What is the main goal of doubting the senses?
To find knowledge that is absolutely certain and cannot be doubted.
What is the word for “Genuine and systematic knowledge based on reliable principles”
Scientia
Why does Descartes invent the idea of an evil demon?
To push his doubt as far as possible and test what can survive it.
What kind of thing does Descartes conclude he is?
A thinking thing.
What is the main philosophical point of the wax example?
Knowledge comes from the mind, not the senses.
How does doubting the senses help Descartes rebuild reliable knowledge?
It clears away uncertain beliefs so he can build knowledge on a solid foundation, like math or science.
What does Descartes still believe is true, even if he’s dreaming?
math and logic
How does the evil demon arguement represent the most extreme form of skepticims Descartes uses?
The evil demon questions even the most solidified discoveries such as math.
How does the “Cogito” resolve Descartes’ previous doubts?
Descartes is able to better understand any skepticism that he had on his first meditation. (It provides the first indubitable truth and the foundation for all knowledge.)
How does the wax example help Descartes show that the mind is better known than the body?
Because only the mind can truly understand the essence of physical things, while the body perceives changeable sensations.