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Homework answers / question archive / Our reading of Descartes introduces us to the area of philosophy known as epistemology, which is the theory or study of knowledge (“epist?m?” is the Greek word for knowledge)
Our reading of Descartes introduces us to the area of philosophy known as epistemology, which is the theory or study of knowledge (“epist?m?” is the Greek word for knowledge). Through his method of radical doubt, Descartes seeks to alienate us from our common-sense beliefs and then to reacquaint us with ourselves and our world under a new, different guise. He also seeks to subvert, and to replace, Aristotle’s philosophy. (Take another philosophy class to read him!) For example, for Aristotle, the soul is the so-called form of the body: different kinds of organic structures (plants, animals, and human beings) exhibit different kinds of souls (nutritive, sensible, and rational). By contrast, Descartes identifies the soul with the mind, with the upshot that for him plants and non-human animals are no longer “animated” (“anima” is the Latin word for soul), but instead to be understood in terms of matter in motion (in a word, “mechanistically”).
Descartes recognizes that we can’t just make up our minds to change our beliefs, or at least that there are limits to what we can will ourselves to believe—say, that you don’t have a body. Hence, he takes his readers through a series of guided meditations.
Two questions:
1) Are there are any beliefs that you once held, but now have come to doubt? Think of a few examples (say, Santa Claus, if you really can’t think of other examples at first). Then explain how you came to doubt them.
2) Do Descartes' meditations succeed in leading you to doubt or rethink any of the beliefs that the meditations focus on—whether about the world, or about what you are, or about the nature of your body? Explain why or why not.
Refection Task
1) Previously, I used to believe that working hard is the only way to be successful in life. However, I have come to realize that this is not the case. With regards to the implication, it is important to note that working hard is one of the paths towards success in life. With my realization, it dawned to me that working smart can be equally as important as working hard; at time it is even more important. A good example to depict this idea is the story of Mark Zuckerberg, the owner of FaceBook. This individual has now bought more social media platforms and hence his continued success. In this case, instead of working hard on enhancing FaceBook and competing with platforms such as Whatsapp and Instagram, Jeff bought these competitors.
2) I understand the perspective of Descrates in his argument about the soul and the body. In terms of this, the sentiments are in line with my beliefs. Therefore, the arguments have not led to me rethinking any views or beliefs I have had as a person. In some way, these sentiments actually give me a basis of why one should hold on to what they believe. Perspectives might be different but beliefs and ideas are what define individuals.
