Plato, Descartes Allegory of the Term Paper

He performs his search through the use of four tools or steps: accepting as true only what can be proven by facts, division of every question into manageable parts, beginning with simple issues and moving to the more complex and ultimately, the review of the facts frequently enough to maintain the whole argument.

D- What is the first conclusion he reaches in this search? What is the second?

In his search, Descartes first reaches the conclusion that the body is the first "substance" that exists- in other words, the individual is the first step of all that exists. This assertion is tempered by the second conclusion that God does exist and that God is the basis of the "solid" things that exist.

3. Descartes - the Melted Wax

A- in the discussion of the melted wax, how do we "know" the wax candle at the start? What happens when the candle melts?

The melted wax example is essentially one of intellect and senses; more precisely, we know the wax candle at the start, according to Descartes, because of senses- we can see, feel, and smell the wax, thereby confirming to us what it is. After melting, the wax candle is identified by our intellect. Basically, we have been taught what a wax candle is, so we know it as something that exists, even once the candle melts.

B- How do we know the melted wax is the same wax as the candle was?

We know that the melted wax is the same wax as the candle was because of a combination of senses as was mentioned earlier as well as learned experiences. Our intelligence gives us the inclination that the melted wax is the same as the candle was, and our senses confirm it.

C- What does this example help us to know better?

This example helps to better know that there is a relationship between the senses and the mind in two ways; we can use our senses to reinforce what we are thinking and senses can also protect us from an incorrect idea of something that we have false impressions of in our minds.D- What do you think of Descartes' idea of the relation between the senses and the mind?

Descartes' idea of the relation between the senses and the mind, in one humble opinion, is valid still today. He was absolutely correct when he asserted that we know what we know based on what we have learned in the past and what we can perceive, but neither is exclusive of the other, based on Descartes' philosophy that things can only be proven as "real" by verification through mathematics and/or science.

4. Attracted to Opposites

Both Descartes and Socrates use "opposites" to aid in the pursuit of truth and knowledge. Explain how opposites play a role for each of them. Be specific in explaining what kind of opposite each thinker employs and for what purpose. (Be sure to include dialectic in your discussion of Socrates' use of opposites.)

For Descartes, "opposites" basically means that there is an opposite between mind and matter and that opposite allows each to exist independent of the other; for example, the mind can cause arms and legs to move, emotions to occur, etc. without the cooperation of those parts -- the matter. His dialectic on this point involves the union of people and things- neither can exist without the other. Socrates uses "opposites" in the sense that he maintains that for something, indeed anything to be created, destruction must exist. More specifically, his ultimate dialectic in regard of proving this is the parallel that he draws between life and death. For one form of life to exist, something must die. For the human being, Socrates maintained, the death of the body must occur for the soul to be able to exist in a higher place, thereby reaching its full potential.….....