Descartes Paper

The purpose of this paper is to test your ability to carefully read and interpret the texts I’ve assigned.

1. Explain and critically evaluate the 6^th step in Descartes’ first argument for God’s existence, i.e., his assertion that the cause must have at least as much perfection or reality as the effect. Explain in detail Descartes’ notion of different degrees of reality through a careful reading of p. 36 in our book. Also, discuss Descartes’ claim, found on pp. 36-7, that the formal mode of being (or essence) of the effect must come from the efficient cause because otherwise something is coming from nothing, which is impossible. (Explanation – minimum 1 full page; Evaluation – minimum ½ page; Total – minimum 2 full pages.)

2. At the conclusion of the Meditations, Descartes thinks we are capable of acquiring knowledge of which aspects of the external world? Which aspects are we incapable of forming knowledge about? How does he distinguish the two and what are his reasons for making this claim? Hint: The concept of clear and distinct ideas is crucial here. Finally, do you think this aspect of Descartes’ epistemology workable in our everyday lives? Support your judgment. (Minimum 2 full pages.)

Formatting Guidelines: Minimum of 4 full pages, maximum 7 pages. Provide full citations for any quotation or paraphrase, using any standard method that provides all of the relevant information (including exact page numbers). Use endnotes or a work cited page instead of footnotes. Number pages and staple; 12 point type; Double-spaced; 1-1.5 inch margins; Separate cover page; No extra spaces, extraneous titles or headers, or anything else intended to make the paper appear longer than it really is.

Deadline: Sunday, October 1 at 5 pm. Email the paper to me as a Microsoft Word attachment, and start the subject heading of your email with “Phil 306”. Bring a hard copy to class on the following Tuesday.