Question

1. According to Descartes, which proposition is necessarily true? Why?

2. By what argument does Descartes reach the conclusion that he is a mind? Do you agree?

3. What implications does Descartes draw from the example of the piece of wax? What are your thoughts on this? Why?

4. Do you agree with Descartes that you can achieve an easier understanding of your own mind than of anything else? Why?

Answer 1

1. In Meditation 2, Descartes thinks he finds a belief which is immune to all. According to him, the proposition, “I am, therefore I exist”, is necessarily true in whichever circumstances it is put. Descartes concluded that any state of thinking would only prove that he exists. While he can be deceived about the objective content of any thought, he cannot be deceived about the fact that he exists.

Please post the other questions separately as we are supposed to answer just one question or four sub parts of a single question.