Introduction: Descartes: Meditations on First Philosophy
16th Century: emergence of modern philosophy
: changes from Classical inheritance & takes on new task (modern conception)
: question of knowledge
Descartes: certain that knowledge is possible
: uses philosophy to show how knowledge is possible
: figures knowledge is a Philosophical principle, not way of world organization
knowledge: (a.k.a.: K) secure & won't come from empiracle world; philosophy is the only way to achieve it
: provides foundation for science
Meditations: written in Latin and French
Part 1: gives us approach to what we will be reading in the Meditations...
"I observed with regard to philosophy, despite being cultivated by best minds, it certained no point that is undisputed or doubtful".
Philosophy: provides blue print dealing with knowledge, in order to show flaws in theory of K
Descartes: gathered the great minds of his times to contribute to his book
"Things that are disputable & doubtful, where there is disputably easier to think can't rely on what anyone says".
Doubt: pernicious, difficult to construct system of knowledge in climate of doubt & skepticism.
Descartes: admits situation: any project of knowledge should be placed center stage to defeat...
20th C: Hana Arendt: says Descartes was first to conceptualize modern doubting... it's invisible
Modern Age: conceptual philosophy, article of wonder, things are amazing...
: constructed ramifications of doubt
Descartes: not interested in skepticism with philosophy
: confronts question: are you mining knowledge?
: says you must: make doubt center stage and defeat it
: obsessed with questions: how do I know if I am awake? How do I know if I am dreaming or if this is reality?
Knowledge: important, so natural sciences can continue without interf...