Descartes’s Skeptical Argument Using God or an Evil Demon

by | Aug 21, 2023 | theology

This week’s prompt: Using standard form, outline Descartes’s skeptical argument using God or an evil demon in your initial post. In responses to others, consider either 1) how to make the improve your peer’s interpretation or 2) how one might object to Descartes’s skepticism.
Each week we will have discussions, in which we will practice our philosophical skills. In these discussions, we will be learning how read philosophy and reconstruct arguments.
Remember, when we inquire we use reason and logic while being respectful of others. Take other’s criticisms seriously and consider if you might revise your interpretation of Descartes or your own beliefs. We are trying to get closer to the truth here. By interpreting Descartes, we are bringing him into our discussion on the limitations of our own knowledge.
In your responses to other students, inquiring requires going beyond expressing agreement–there isn’t much critical thinking there at all really. Try to call each other into thinking more deeply about the topic. Having a discussion with only one type of response (express agreement) would be like playing a sport with only one move (say, quarterback runs the ball). That’s not going to make for an interesting game.
You need to know more ‘reasoning moves.’ Here is a list to help you. As you respond, name the reasoning move you are making. You can say “I am putting forth a hypothesis and providing a reason for it.” The first four are ones we will be spending a lot of time on in this course. Here is my list:
Offer a hypothesis (a possible answer to the question.).
Provide a reason/argument (you can even put it in standard form!).
Offer an objection/criticism (not used nearly enough, but the bread and butter response in philosophy!).
Offer a reply (let’s get some solid back-and-forth discussion going!).
Ask a clarifying question (be sure to follow up after they reply!).
Draw a distinction (and say why the distinction matters!).
Redirect to a passage in the text (and explain why this passage is important.).
Offer a definition (note that even definitions can be contestable).
Think philosophically requires thinking deeply.

Sample Answer

Sample Answer

Descartes’s Skeptical Argument Using God or an Evil Demon
Descartes’s skeptical argument is a fundamental aspect of his philosophy, aimed at questioning our knowledge and beliefs. He employs the method of doubt to systematically doubt all his beliefs and find a foundation of knowledge that is indubitable. One of the most prominent versions of Descartes’s skeptical argument involves the existence of God or an evil demon.

Hypothesis: The existence of God or an evil demon may deceive us and undermine the reliability of our senses and reasoning.

Argument:

If God or an evil demon exists, they possess ultimate power and knowledge.
God or an evil demon could manipulate our senses and deceive us about the external world, leading us to form false beliefs.
Our senses can be unreliable, as they can be manipulated by external forces beyond our control.
Our reasoning processes could also be distorted, as they rely on the information provided by our senses.
Therefore, we cannot trust our senses or reasoning to provide us with accurate knowledge about the external world.
Objection/Criticism:

One objection to Descartes’s skeptical argument is that it seems overly radical and undermines the reliability of all our beliefs, leading to skepticism.
Some argue that there are certain beliefs and knowledge that are so firmly grounded and self-evident that they cannot be doubted, such as “I think, therefore I am.”
Descartes himself acknowledges the existence of certain indubitable truths, which serve as a foundation for knowledge despite the possibility of deception.
Reply:

Descartes would respond to this objection by emphasizing the importance of systematic doubt in order to arrive at a foundation of knowledge that is beyond doubt.
He would argue that even beliefs that seem self-evident could potentially be deceived by an all-powerful being like God or an evil demon.
By doubting everything, Descartes aims to find knowledge that is certain and indubitable, which he believes can only be achieved through his skeptical argument.
Clarifying Question:

How does Descartes establish a connection between the existence of God or an evil demon and the possibility of deception in our senses and reasoning?
Distinction:

It is important to distinguish between skepticism as a methodological tool used by Descartes to question knowledge and skepticism as a philosophical position that denies the possibility of knowledge altogether.
Descartes’s goal is not to embrace skepticism but rather to find a foundation of knowledge that is beyond doubt by subjecting all beliefs to rigorous doubt.
Redirect to a Passage in the Text:

Descartes discusses his skeptical argument using God or an evil demon in his Meditations on First Philosophy, particularly in the First Meditation.
In this meditation, Descartes introduces the possibility of an evil demon deceiving him as a way to cast doubt on his beliefs and search for indubitable knowledge.
Definition:

Skepticism: A philosophical position that questions the possibility of knowledge and argues that certainty is unattainable due to the potential for deception or error.
Thinking philosophically requires engaging deeply with ideas and critically examining them. By exploring Descartes’s skeptical argument using God or an evil demon, we engage in the process of inquiry and challenge our own beliefs and assumptions. Through critical thinking and thoughtful discussions, we can gain a deeper understanding of Descartes’s philosophy and its implications for our own quest for knowledge.

 

 

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