How strong is Descartes' system?
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Flip to reveal answersWhat does 'evaluate' (Paper 2 part b) ask for?
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Question
What does 'evaluate' (Paper 2 part b) ask for?
Answer
Test the reasoning of a claim — weigh reasons for and against — and reach a reasoned judgement.
Question
The Cartesian circle?
Answer
Descartes proves God from clear and distinct ideas, then uses God to guarantee clear ideas — apparent circularity.
Question
The memory defence to the circle?
Answer
Maybe God is only needed to trust MEMORIES of past clear ideas, not present ones — softens but may not remove the circle.
Question
The interaction problem?
Answer
If the mind is unextended and the body physical, how can one move the other? Raised by Princess Elisabeth.
Question
Which parts of Descartes' system survive best?
Answer
The method of doubt and the cogito largely hold; the God-proofs and the rebuilt world are the weakest links.
Question
How is Paper 2 examined?
Answer
Open-book, one hour: a two-part question on your text — (a) Explain a concept [10] + (b) Evaluate a claim [15].
Question
Open-book exam tip?
Answer
Don't copy long quotes — use the text to SUPPORT understanding and argument; do the right job in each part.
Question
The shape of a top part (b)?
Answer
Explain the claim, argue for it, raise the objection, weigh them, and conclude with a reason tied to the text.
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Full study notes for How strong is Descartes' system?
Topic 10.3 hub
Meditations on First Philosophy — Descartes
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