Term Paper on "Descartes and Skepticism Is the Definition"
Term Paper 4 pages (1239 words) Sources: 3 Style: APA
[EXCERPT] . . . .
Descartes and SkepticismSkepticism is the definition where each and every aspect of one's knowledge -- including belief of one's reality is questioned. Determined to investigate the source and truth of his knowledge, Descartes determined to start by doubting all that he knew and then to work through each and every element of his presupposition -- both cultural and sensual and even the fundamental basics of reasoning itself -- in order to arrive at some sort of infrastructure of knowledge that he could accept as certain. This became known as the Cartesian framework or endeavor towards certain knowledge.
His book the Meditaitons describes this search. His First Meditation is the elaboration of his exercise on three levels. Firstly, Descartes notes that all of existence may be an illusion. Just as dreams are illusions, so too may existence be one long drawn out delusion too. It is, therefore, recommended to doubt any particular bit of sensory knowledge except that of mathematics and the content of simple nature since these remain constant even in an abstract existence.
Furthermore, Descartes brings up the possibility of a deceiving God, namely one who belabors to induce humans to believe in an existence that is untrue. Perhaps I systematically deceive myself, or there is some demon (if not God) that distorts my reality. The point is uncertainty in the certitude of any of my beliefs.
Descartes then proceeds to show that the one element that emerges as assured is the fact "cogito ergo sum," "I exist, therefore I am" (Med. II). I think, therefore I am. I have this thought of skepticism therefore I must exist, and no demon could deceive
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From this basis, flows all else. What is this sum? Asserts Descartes, it is a mind or soul: sum res cogitans" ("I am a thing that thinks") (Med. II). All external impression are printed on the mind as imprint on beeswax. Whilst sensory appearances may be unreliable, it is the mind -- introspection -- that provides the key to authentic knowledge. Nonetheless, we may still be deceived by some sort of demon -- perhaps our innate ideas do not correspond to the reality of things (Med III).
Descartes then proves that God does exist by arguing that the cause of my idea must have at least as much reality as the content of the idea itself. Since my concept of God has unlimited content, the initiator of this idea must be infinite and this description can only apply to an omnipotent infinite creator. Therefore God exists, and Descartes' reinforces this supposition with the classical cosmological argument. A perfect God would not wish to deceive (Med. IV), and, therefore, I can now be certain that my innate ideas (or intellectual / cognitive capacities) cohere to an external reality. Errors come about through the organ of the will rather than through the organ of the understanding, since I misuse my free will to assent on occasions when my understanding is incomplete (Med. IV). Mathematics -- clear and indubitable - can help us find the truth (Med. V).
In the following Meditations, Descartes attempts to prove that there is a material world and that bodies do really exist before discussing the mind-body (dualism) distinction.
Al-Ghazali and Skepticism
Abu Hamid Muhammad al-Ghazali's book al-Munqidh min ad-Dalal (1058 AD) or 'The Deliverance from Error' delineates al-Ghazali's refutation on the validity and reliability of all knowledge. For knowledge to be certain -- and to be considered as such -- it must be free of all doubts and illusions. A thorough assessment of the fields of knowledge existent at this time ("There… READ MORE
Quoted Instructions for "Descartes and Skepticism Is the Definition" Assignment:
“Content Requirements: Always start by clarifying/defining your main terms and concepts ***** don*****t just assume that the professor knows what, say, Libertarianism is: write your paper in such a way that it would make sense even to someone not familiar with any philosophy. All three topics require textual analysis ***** i.e., carefully reading and analyzing the textual material. There is no obligation to bring additional sources besides the ones we used in class. However, if you do, you are encouraged to use the *****˜real***** books and articles as your sources ***** the use of internet sources is frowned upon.
Topic: Skepticism. Compare and contrast the skeptical arguments of Descartes . Which assumption about requirements of knowledge both take as obviously true? How many parallel arguments you can find? How strong are these arguments? How do these two philosophers resolve the skeptical problem (i.e., do they accept skepticism at the end or do they discover certainty)? What is the main difference between Descartes***** and Al-Ghazali*****s solution?
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