Sammi Zandt
FD 1.2: Epistemology
Rationalism:
Plato:
Argues for a process of anamnesis i.e. learning is a process of ‘remembering’
Slave Boy Analogy:
Slaveboy no prior exposure to math, but through a series of qning asked by Plato he’s able to
identify Pythagorus’ Theorem
∴ We have an innate mathematical ability allows us to identityy recognise math truths
Conc: it is the mathematical capacity which is innate not the math itself
So, xp does play some role in unearthing this capacity
Forms:
If born TR our mind = overwhelmed by particulars bc can’t categorizey diferentiate objsy xp’s
So, we need an innate ability to categorizey diferentiate between Forms
Need the Form of the Good (innate ‘k’) otherwise we can’t conceptualize dif Formsy concepts
E.g. Particular: Square Form: Shape FoG: Maths
Problems: Imperfect Forms, Divisibility, 3rd Man Argument (regress)
Descartes:
3 Sceptical Arguments: 1st Meditation
To prove empirical reality is unreliable and that we can’t trust the senses, so all that we can know
if what’s in the mind
1. Error/ Illusion:
Our senses can be deceived
It is, “prudent never to trust those who have deceived us, even if only once”
Descartes Response the senses are generally reliable
2. Dreaming
“I can never distinguish, by reliable signs, being awake from dreaming”
If I cannot know I am sleeping then all of xp can be doubted
Descartes Response our dreams are “copies of things which are real” i.e. based on a reality
that’s been xp’ed
3. Evil Daemon:
Arg 1 + 2 lead to 3
Qns whether thoughts of xp are a product of reality or an evil mind devoted to deceiving you
Such a mind could deceive you of a priori ‘k’ ∴ no certainty as we can’t trust xp
“I am like a prisoner who happens to enjoy an imaginary freedom in his dreams”
Descartes Position: Global Scepticism
This sceptical argument leads to the Cogito (rejects GS as Descartes isn’t a Global Sceptic)
FD 1.2: Epistemology
Rationalism:
Plato:
Argues for a process of anamnesis i.e. learning is a process of ‘remembering’
Slave Boy Analogy:
Slaveboy no prior exposure to math, but through a series of qning asked by Plato he’s able to
identify Pythagorus’ Theorem
∴ We have an innate mathematical ability allows us to identityy recognise math truths
Conc: it is the mathematical capacity which is innate not the math itself
So, xp does play some role in unearthing this capacity
Forms:
If born TR our mind = overwhelmed by particulars bc can’t categorizey diferentiate objsy xp’s
So, we need an innate ability to categorizey diferentiate between Forms
Need the Form of the Good (innate ‘k’) otherwise we can’t conceptualize dif Formsy concepts
E.g. Particular: Square Form: Shape FoG: Maths
Problems: Imperfect Forms, Divisibility, 3rd Man Argument (regress)
Descartes:
3 Sceptical Arguments: 1st Meditation
To prove empirical reality is unreliable and that we can’t trust the senses, so all that we can know
if what’s in the mind
1. Error/ Illusion:
Our senses can be deceived
It is, “prudent never to trust those who have deceived us, even if only once”
Descartes Response the senses are generally reliable
2. Dreaming
“I can never distinguish, by reliable signs, being awake from dreaming”
If I cannot know I am sleeping then all of xp can be doubted
Descartes Response our dreams are “copies of things which are real” i.e. based on a reality
that’s been xp’ed
3. Evil Daemon:
Arg 1 + 2 lead to 3
Qns whether thoughts of xp are a product of reality or an evil mind devoted to deceiving you
Such a mind could deceive you of a priori ‘k’ ∴ no certainty as we can’t trust xp
“I am like a prisoner who happens to enjoy an imaginary freedom in his dreams”
Descartes Position: Global Scepticism
This sceptical argument leads to the Cogito (rejects GS as Descartes isn’t a Global Sceptic)
