Descartes in Basic Terms
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In the Meditations, Descartes entertains an extreme form of skepticism with his 'evil genius hypothesis'. What is this hypothesis and why does he even entertain its possibility? Though this hypothesis leaves much room for doubt, there is one thing that Descartes feels that he knows for sure. What is this? And what makes him so certain of it? Explain. Descartes eventually abandons the 'evil genius hypothesis' by providing some proofs for the existence of a benevolent God (I mentioned at least two proofs that he provides). Explain at least one of Descartes' 'proofs' for God's existence. Is this a sound or valid proof? Why or why not
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This solution explains the basics behind Descartes most famous postulation are touched upon very briefly. The solution is given in 163 words.
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The reason the "evil genius" is postulated is as a philosophical construct meant to tease out or emphasize the fact that doubt is legitimate. One can doubt the senses because they can be faked, or falsely influenced. This is how ...
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