Philosophy 1

Fall 2002 Paper #1

J. Driver and R. Gilliland

Select one of the following and write a 5-6 page paper, double-spaced and typed. The paper is due in class on Oct. 11.

For some tips on writing a philosophy paper, see James Pryor’s web site at Princeton:

http://www.princeton.edu/~jimpryor/general/writing.html

1. The classical definition of knowledge is justified, true belief. Explain the conditions of the definition, describe Descartes' standard for justification, and then discuss how 'knowledge' can be undermined by the sorts of arguments Descartes presents in Meditations I. Which of the arguments is the strongest? Why? How does Descartes begin to combat skepticism using the Cogito in Meditations II?

2. Present Descartes’ causal argument for God’s existence. Why is proving God’s existence crucial to his project in the Meditations? Critically evaluate the argument. Can you think of any improvements, or does the argument simply fail?

3. One serious criticism of Descartes’ strategy is the claim that he is arguing in a circle – this is referred to as ‘the Cartesian Circle.’ Explain the problem for Descartes. How might Descartes try to respond to this criticism?