Meditations on First Philosophy

Descartes’s Meditations has two major points of investigation: the existence of God and the immortality of the soul. He argues that these questions are suited for philosophers. Think about the importance of method in these meditations. Explicate three major tenets of his method and why they are important. Are they sufficient for answering these questions?

Think about the role of body. Is body an integral aspect of knowing God clearly and distinctly? Can the body be known only in relation to the mind? Do you agree with Descartes’s conclusion that external objects can be known clearly and distinctly insofar as they are objects of pure mathematics?

Analyze Descartes’s wax experiment. How does this experiment allow him to distinguish between perceivable attributes of a substance and the imperceivable objectivity within the substance? How is continuity retained if our senses are easily deceived? Think about the role of God in relation to the particular and universal dichotomy.