One page short answers Introduction to Philosophy

1. One page short answer
2. answer the question from the reading given (Mediation 1 & 2)
3. Please let me know if the attached file not working
4. please follow the instructions!

Reading:

The following worksheet is based on:

1. Descartes R. (1641) “Meditation 1” and the beginning of “Meditation 2”. in: Meditations on First Philosophy (Trans. J. Cottingham, Cambridge University Press, 1996).

Please answer all of the specific questions and one of the general questions

Specific Questions:

1. What task has Descartes put off doing until now? How does he intend to achieve this task?

1. Does Descartes think that beliefs arrived at through the senses are trustworthy? What reason does he give for thinking his answer to this question is correct?

1. The title of the Meditation is ‘On What May Be Called Into Doubt’. By the end of Meditation 1, what does Descartes think can be called into doubt? Why?

1. What idea in this First Meditation is most interesting to you and why?

General Questions:

1. Do you think that you know you’re not dreaming right now? Why or why not? Provide a full justification for your response.

1. In the beginning of the Second Meditation, what is the one belief that Descartes thinks cannot be called into doubt. Why?

1. Descartes seems very uncomfortable with the conclusion he reaches at the end of the Meditation. Why do you think this might be? Do you find them uncomfortable? How, in your opinion, should one respond to this discomfort?

1. What do you think is the value, if any, of the exercise undertaken in the First Meditation? (If there is nothing of value, explain why).