Test Yourself CH 4

Demetrius Melton PHI2010 CH.4 Test Yourself 1. Why is Descartes’ method called a “geometrical” method?  Descartes determined that if philosophy was to be successful it must annex to itself so that its starting point and conclusion might be as certain as those of geometry. 2. In Descartes’ view, mind is to doubting as matter is to (a) God, (b) color, (c) the pineal gland, (d) substance.  In Descartes’ view, the mind is to doubting as matter is to (d) substance. 3. What is so important in Descartes’ philosophy about Cogito ergo sum?  Descartes’ philosophy about Cogito ergo sum is so important because he found that he couldn’t doubt his own existence to do so would presuppose his existence. 4. True or false: Descartes says that we have an immediate intuition of the external world.  True 5. What is Descartes’ definition of mind? of matter?  Descartes’ defines the mind as a thinking substance it may affirm, deny, doubt, reflect, imagine, infer etc. but it must think (mental activities). He defines matter as the substance underlying and upholding physical qualities. 6. True or false: Descartes’ arguments for God are not based in any way on the sensible world.  False