Epistemology: 03. Descartes' Trademark Argument

Question 1

What does Descartes mean by ‘clear’ in his philosophy?

Answer 1

‘Clear’ refers to ideas that are present and accessible to the attentive mind.

This clarity is essential for distinguishing knowledge that can be trusted without experience.

Question 2

What does Descartes mean by ‘distinct’ in his philosophy?

Answer 2

‘Distinct’ means that all parts of the idea are clear and well-defined.

This distinctness is crucial for forming reliable premises for deductions.

Question 3

What is the one thing Descartes finds certain in his skepticism?

Answer 3

His knowledge of his own existence.

Descartes believes this is perceived clearly and distinctly.

Question 4

What is the role of God in Descartes’ clear & distinct ideas?

Answer 4

God can help restore trust in clear and distinct ideas and our senses.

This occurs through proving God’s existence in the Third and Fourth Meditations.

Question 5

What are the three possible sources of ideas according to Descartes?

Answer 5

• Ideas can derive from something outside the mind (sense perception)
• Ideas can be invented
• Ideas can be innate

Descartes explores these sources to determine the origin of ideas.

Question 6

What is the first premise of Descartes’ Trademark Argument?

Answer 6

I have the idea of a perfect being.

This idea is central to proving the existence of God.

Question 7

What is Descartes’ Trademark Argument? (Outline)

Answer 7

1. I have the idea of God in my mind
2. This idea of God is the idea of an infinite and perfect being
3. The cause of an effect must have (at least) as much reality as the effect
4. So the cause of my idea of God must have as much reality as an infinite and perfect being (casual adequacy principle)
5. So an infinite and perfect being exsists
6. So God exsist

This premise emphasizes the need for a cause behind every idea.

Question 8

What is the third premise of Descartes’ Trademark Argument?

Answer 8

A cause must be at least as real as its effect.

This premise asserts the principle of sufficient reason.

Question 9

What is the conclusion of Descartes’ Trademark Argument?

Answer 9

Therefore, such a perfect being (God) exists.

This conclusion follows logically from the premises.

Question 10

What assumption does Descartes make regarding ideas?

Answer 10

All ideas must have a cause.

This assumption is critical to the validity of his argument.

Question 11

What is a potential objection to Descartes’ Trademark Argument?

Answer 11

Neither claim that all ideas must have a cause nor that a cause must have as much reality as its effect is analytic or universally true.

This raises questions about the soundness of the argument.