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Descartes

Topic D:

Consider the Problem of Error: if God exists, and he is not a deceiver, then why is it so often the case that he allows humans to form false beliefs? What is Descartes’ reply to the Problem of Error? Is his reply successful? You may find it worthwhile to critique Descartes’ model of how error arises in Meditation IV. Are there cases of error which can’t be covered on the model? Does the model succeed in solving the Problem of Error?

Topic E:

Descartes famously argues “I think, therefore I am” (though he doesn’t say this in Meditation II). What is Descartes’ basis for the conclusion that he exists? Is his argument compelling? What does he take himself to be? Consider one of your own objections to Descartes’ proof that he exists. How would Descartes respond, and would that response be adequate?

Topic F:

In arguing that God exists in Meditation III, Descartes relies on the premise, which he takes to be clear and distinct, that he has an idea of God: “eternal, infinite, omniscient, omnipotent, and Creator of all thing which are outside of Himself.” First, state how this premise is used in the proof of God’s existence. What is its significance? Second, state what you think are the two strongest objections to Descartes’ use of this premise in the proof. Descartes considers three such objections later in Meditation III. How does Descartes respond to the objections you consider? Are his responses adequate? If so, why? If not, why not? [Note: you may take for granted that the reader knows about Descartes’ theory of ideas and about the distinction between formal and objective reality.