7 February 2001
I. The “method of
doubt” in Meditation I
A. Epistemic overhaul
B. Dreaming argument
C. Extent of
conclusion of dreaming argument?
D. Evil demon hypothesis
II. The Cogito in Meditation II
A. I think, therefore I
am.
1. Stops the
sceptical trend
2. Conclusion cannot
reasonably be doubted
B. Necessarily true
vs self-verifying
1. Imagine writing,
“I am writing” or saying, “I am speaking.”
2. Conclusion of Cogito is indubitable because doubt
would be self-defeating
III. The Cartesian circle
A. Abbreviations:
p: whatever I perceive clearly and
distinctly is true
q: God exists and is no deceiver
Circle:
(1) I can be certain that p only if first I am certain
that q.
(2) I can be certain that q only if first I am certain
that p.
B. Escape from the
Cartesian circle?
IV. Locke
A. Rationalism vs Empiricism
B. Ideas vs qualities
1. Idea: whatsoever
the mind perceives in itself, or is the immediate object of perception, thought,
or understanding
2. Quality: The
power to produce any idea in our mind