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Basis of Reality

To determine whether our beliefs are justified, we have to be able to trace them back to a statement, belief, or proposition that cannot be doubted.

Epistemology

Skepticism

Absolute: a theory in epistemology which holds which says it is impossible for the human mind to know anything for sure.

Skeptic: a person whom doubts something or anything.

* Proceduraal, not goaled for truth.

Epistemology is the study of the nature, source, limits, and validity of knowledge.

Rene The Skeptic

Did not doubt just for doubting sake.

Used doubting in order to KNOW THE TRUTH or to ATTAIN CERTAINTY OF KNOWLEDGE.

Unlike usual skeptics, Rene's skepticism IS NOT destructive. It is CONSTRUCTIVE.

The Method of Doubt

A rationalist view on epistemology claims that knowledge (as opposed to opinion) is possible ONLY if it is based upon self-evidence and absolutely certain principles.

this method is used to defeat skepticism on its own ground. (constructive)

  • attain knowledge, find what is true.

  • begin by doubting everything.

MEDITATIONS ON FIRST PHILOSOPHY 1641

One of the most influential and widely read philosophical texts to this day.

Perceptual Illusion

First, Descartes noted that the senses should be doubted because they can be deceiving

The dream problem

Doubting the truth of all sensory perception

He suggests that we ask what it would mean to know about reality.

Rene is a Rationalist.

Rationalism

Rationalist-claims that knowledge only if its based on self evident and absolutely certain principles

Rene Descartes believed that we would have to justify our beliefs and we have to be able to trace them back to a statement or proposition that cannot be doubted

this would guarantee that all claims based on it would be true

A deceiving God?

Ya Think?

What if there is an omnipotent god, but it devotes its full attention to deceiving me?

Rene Descartes

1596 - 1650

"The Father of Modern Philosophy"

-French mathematician-philosopher

I am therefore, I exist

-Major influence on the scientific revolution of the 17th century.

Rene the Man

--Due to his father's encouragement, he obtained his law degree in 1616

1618--Rene joined the Dutch army of Prince Maurice of Nassau as a gentleman volunteer

1619--Developed his meditation system while sitting alone in a room

1649--Rene became a tutor to Queen Christina of Sweden

--This eventually caused his death in February of 1650

Descartes the Mathematician

-Published "La Geometrie"

*Linked algebra and Geometry via the Cartesian coordinate system and made him one of the pioneers in the development of calculus.

A Rationalist View of God's Existance

Rene Descartes and Epistemology

by Ashley Zickefoose , Karina Lima, Vanessa Watts, Omar Mosqueda, and Patricia Rivera

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