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Cartesian Doubt, 2003.
An analysis of the historical background to Cartesian doubt and an examination of the argument's flaws.
2,311 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the argument and describes the historical background to Cartesian doubt. It describes Descartes proposal of a method of doubt that, logically carried through, led to absolute certainty in empirical knowledge. It then describes the influence that his claims had on the educated community. The paper goes on to explain how Cartesian doubt was a flawed argument from the beginning and how its faults began to appear.
From the Paper
"In the year 1637, through his publication of Le Discours de la Methode (Discourse on Method), Descartes was supposed to have refuted at last the age-old problem of empirical scepticism. At the time of its publication the argument was a resounding success, and seemed to have removed the key obstacle that lay in the way of the progress of science. Fortified by a philosophy of empirical certitude, the enthusiasm for experimentation and science gained a staggering boost, and a direct consequence was the Age of Enlightenment. Only after the demise of the Enlightenment did the flaws in Descartes' argument begin to appear prominent. But by this time the determinist agenda had succeeded and the scientific method had established itself as the backbone to European civilisation."
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Bayle and the Cartesian Crisis, 2004.
An analysis of the role of Pierre Bayle in resolving the Cartesian crisis in philosophy and thereby laying the foundation of the French Enlightenment.
2,293 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
The paper explores the role of Bayle as the Father of the Enlightenment, and attempts to explain the enigma of how such unrelenting scepticism can at all have been the "Arsenal of the Enlightenment". It lays forth the Cartesian debate with its origins in the Baconian method of science and Descartes ontology regarding the certainty of empirical knowledge. It also argues that the hidden rationale of the Cartesian debate, was to justify the Bacon's claim that sense experience is the root to absolute knowledge. This attitude of premeditation led the Cartesians into false arguments, confusion and absurdity. It looks at how in the end Bayle espoused a form of scepticism that was so thoroughly honest that it jolted the Western intellect back to its senses.
From the Paper
"Cartesian doubt is the process by which Descartes arrived at the prize of absolute certainty of knowledge. The premise is that one should begin with Pyrrhonian doubt, thereby doubting everything stemming from experience, until one is left with consciousness of thought alone, and this, Descartes argues, cannot be doubted because the very process of doubting is also the process of thinking. "Cogito, ergo sum" was the conclusion of Descartes - I think, therefore I am. This is the one solid certainty left after Cartesian doubt. But then he introduces the false argument that God would not deceive him regarding the universe, and thus it is real, and sense experience is true knowledge of it. From this argument emerges the concept of mind and body duality. Thought is taking place in the mind, and this has no material substance or spatial extension. On the other hand the body does have substance and extension, along with everything else in the universe. "
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The Utility of Radical Doubt, 2005.
A discussion of doubting in "Meditations on First Philosophy" by Descartes.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper assesses how the function of doubt in Descartes' "Meditations on First Philosophy" plays an important role in establishing a core foundation upon which the author constructs the superstructure of his philosophical system. The premise of the paper is that the function of radical doubt in Descartes' philosophy lies in how, through the device of the omnipotent Demon and his deceptions, it allows him to clear philosophical ground of opinions that may be in some respect flawed or illogical, and thereby construct an edifice of knowledge from first principles.
From the Paper
"In Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy the exercise of doubting plays an important role in establishing a core foundation upon which Descartes constructs the superstructure of his philosophical system. This essay will argue the thesis that the function of radical doubt in Descartes' philosophy lies in how, through the device of the omnipotent Demon and his deceptions, it allows him to clear philosophical ground of opinions that may be in some respect flawed or illogical, and thereby construct a edifice of knowledge from first principles. In the opening of Meditation Descartes reveals that the utility of doubting lies in its capacity to remove from his thinking "false opinions" that may otherwise cloud or obscure his logical analysis."
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Descartes: Three Doubts, 2005.
An analysis of skepticism in Rene Descartes's philosophy.
832 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Rene Descartes's three skeptical doubts and the importance of skepticism in his philosophy. The paper explains that the exercise of skepticism is the backbone of Descartes's philosophical approach and is the defining element of his meditations, insofar as they revolve around the identification and examination of three doubts: the doubt in his own existence, the reality of God, and the existence of the outside world. The importance and implications of these doubts are discussed in the paper in the hope of illustrating that, if we want to arrive at certain knowledge and objective truth, we should begin, as Descartes did, by doubting.
From the Paper
"Descartes' third doubt is a natural extension of the first two and particularly interesting insofar as its conclusion is predetermined by the ones arrived at earlier. Quite simply stated, we know that we exist because we are thinking beings and ultimately, conclude that God exists because we have exercised our thinking abilities. However, the outside world is primarily communicated to us as an entity through multiple perceptions and perceptions, in themselves, cannot be accepted as certitudes insofar as they may be misled by the Evil Demon. Nevertheless, the proof for the existence of the external may ultimately emerge from our knowledge of it. Knowledge, insofar as it had earlier been defined by Descartes as indubitable and a product of good God, cannot, therefore be deceiving. Hence, the outside world exists."
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Descartes? Method of Doubt, 2005.
A look at philosopher Renee Descartes' method of doubt and its role in the "Meditations".
1,717 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper explains how Descartes uses the presence of doubt to prove the existence of knowledge and then uses this method of doubt throughout the "Meditations" to bring his readers to various philosophical conclusions.
From the Paper
""I think, therefore I am" (Descartes). That may be the most famous statement in all of philosophy. Beautiful in its simplicity, it is the most concise way of understanding Descartes' method of doubt. According to Descartes, whatever could be doubted was to be rejected (Burnham and Fieser). Therefore, the only things that could be trusted were those things that were clear beyond any doubt. The foundation of Descartes' philosophy was to trust only those things that could be so proven. Then, by removing all things that he could doubt, Descartes was left with the simple fact that he had doubt. That doubt, in and of itself, was sufficient to prove Descartes' existence, giving rise to the beautiful conclusion: "I think, therefore I am" "
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The Cartesian Mind-Body Dilemma, 2008.
An analysis of Rene Descartes' "Meditations on First Philosophy" in relation to the Cartesian mind-body dilemma.
1,448 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the Cartesian mind-body dilemma by analyzing Descartes' "Meditations on First Philosophy". The paper explains that Cartesian dualism intended to moderate between the established religious paradigm of the time and the emerging natural sciences and by positing mind and body as complete substances which refer to nothing but themselves. The paper also looks at how Descartes' theory of mind preserves the religious conception of man as an immortal soul in possession of free will by placing such outside the realm of the physical sciences. The paper points out that Descartes' "Meditations on First Philosophy" seeks to establish two distinct classes of substances in mind and extension, but fails to adequately address the manner in which these two incommensurable substances interact to generate our experience of the world. The writer suggests that Descartes conceives of the body as a 'kingdom within a kingdom' of mind, and is left with the problem of how these kingdoms are able to carry out diplomatic relations with one another.
From the Paper
"The cogito, 'I think therefore I am', delimits mind as the substance of thought, the primary existential of being. This is arrived at by proposing that there could be a malicious demon of some sort that may be propagating a vast illusion of experience, generating even our thoughts. Even in this radical scepticism, however, Descartes concludes that there must be something that this hoax is played upon, and no matter what this demon may be able to do, he can never convince something that it is nothing; "...I must finally conclude that this proposition, I am, I exist, is necessarily true whenever it is put forward by me or conceived in my mind" . The cogito, therefore, shows mind to be a substance that is necessarily true without reference to any other substance. It is the essence to which all the modes of thought refer."
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Cartesian Rationalism, 2002.
A discussion of Cartesian Rationalism.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 1 source, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This three-page undergraduate paper discusses Cartesian rationalism, explains what is rationalistic about Descartes' thinking, and reflects upon what Descartes hoped to achieve through philosophical reflection.
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Methodological Doubt, 2002.
A study of French philosopher, Descartes' theory of "Methodological Doubt".
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
The paper examines Rene Descartes' theory of "Methodological Doubt" which focuses on the certainty of God and human and material existence, and shows how they are some of the most famous passages in philosophy today.
From the Paper
"Descartes strived to create a complete philosophy that was free of any contradictions. He began by rejecting all previous doctrines and dogmas laid down by the earlier philosophers. He resolved to begin by doubting everything so that he could come up with a stable basis for his philosophy. The method he created and adopted was methodological doubt. This methodological doubt became known to many to be a pre-requisite of honest thought."
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Alfred Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt", 2002.
Discussion of Alfred Hitchcock's attempt to force a perspective on viewers when he made "Shadow of a Doubt".
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 3 sources, $ 53.95
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Abstract
"Shadow of a Doubt" was a box office success and remains an outstanding example of Alfred Hitchcock's ability to craft a mystery film into a something which was more than mere cinema; it was also a serious psychological study. In order to achieve this, Hitchcock had to alter the way in which the viewer expected to see films.
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"Shadow of a Doubt", 2004.
An analysis of Alfred Hitchcock's work, "Shadow of a Doubt", using two scenes from the film.
734 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
The author argues, through a close analysis of two scenes from the film, "Shadow of Doubt" by Alfred Hitchcock, that the work serves as an indictment of the middle class. The paper emphasizes the roles of money and family in the film and analyzes some of its technical aspects in order to support this argument.
From the Paper
"But arguably, it is not only Uncle Charlie, but Little Charlie as well who serve as critical counterpoints to a middle-class, suburban America. Little Charlie comments to her father: ?Money. How can you talk about money when I?m talking about souls?? In the opening sequence, Uncle Charlie?s money spills over from the nightstand on to the floor, indicating that he is either careless or doesn?t care about money. As we see later in the film, in scenes such as those in the Santa Rosa bank, Uncle Charlie is ?not interested in money,? primarily, we assume, because he has so much of it. Uncle Charlie?s disregard for money is in stark contrast to the middle-class concern with money, as embodied by the character of Joe Newton, the banker."
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The Cartesian View of Error and Evil, 2005.
An examination of the Cartesian view of error and evil as posed by Socrates and Augustine and explained by Rene Descartes.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 3 sources, $ 80.95
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Abstract
This paper studies varying representations of evil as posed by Socrates and Augustine. It revisit each of the explanations, ultimately building upon them and presenting the explanation of evil that is given by Rene Descartes. The essay first revisits the arguments laid out by Descartes' predecessors and then shows how Descartes views error and evil, insomuch as he argues that the will is perfect and that the intellect is not.
From the Paper
"The Cartesian View of Error and Evil In the previous two papers discussing concepts from this course and from the classic tomes and thoughts of philosophy, we have studied varying representations of evil as posed by Socrates and Augustine. Socrates argued for "unintentional ignorance" as a proper explanation of evil, while Augustine argued that evil and wrongdoing come about because of a misuse of the will."
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Alfred Hitchcock's "Shadow Of A Doubt", 1982.
This paper discusses Alfred Hitchcock's use of the theme of transference of guilt in several films especially the 1943 film "Shadow of a Doubt".
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, $ 31.95
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From the Paper
"One of the themes found in the films of Alfred Hitchcock is that of the transference of guilt, a theme started in the British period and carried over into the cross-over period and beyond. This involved much more than simply the fact that the protagonist would be falsely accused of a crime he did not commit, though in the earlier films especially this would be closer to the way the issue was presented. Later, however, the protagonist would also be expiating some guilt of his own through this false accusation, and a key film in the development of this sense of guilt and transference is Shadow of a Doubt from 1943. William Rothman (1982) calls this Hitchcock's first American film to be the equal of his British work and says that it "gives form to all he learned in Hollywood as it declares continuity with the whole body of his ... "
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An Anti-Cartesian Approach to Pain and Suffering, 2002.
This paper explores Descartes notion of the mind / body dichotomy and is supplemented with quotations by Eric Cassell and David Morris.
943 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This essay explores Cartesian aesthetics as they relate to mind and body. The author traces the history of how the mind and body relationship is treated by the authors Eric Cassell and David Morris, particularly as it relates to Cartesian aesthetics. This is a critical, argumentative essay.
From the Paper
"The design of this essay is to explore the positions of Eric Cassel and David Morris on the issue of pain and suffering. First, each author is in turn examine in general, after which attention is turned to specific issues they in tandem address, which include the definition of pain and the interconnectedness of pain and suffering to an entire human being. What will be revealed is how both authors reject both the contemporary definition of pain and the Cartesian dualism that is associated with the differentiation between mind and body."
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Identity, Reason and Doubt, 2005.
A comparative report on the writings of Montaigne, Descartes and Pascal.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 3 sources, $ 71.95
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Abstract
The paper analyses three passages from Montaigne, Descartes and Pascal and finds that the central thematic concern linking all three is the nature of identity, and how it may be constructed in the modern context. The passages suggest that reason and doubt - two of the chief philosophical tools of the modern period - are central to this exercise in each of the works.
From the Paper
"In analyzing the three given passages from Montaigne, Descartes and Pascal, this essay will argue that the central thematic concern linking all three is the nature of identity, and how it may be constructed in the modern context. As will be seen, the passages suggest that reason and doubt - two of the chief philosophical tools of the modern period - are central to this exercise in each of the works. Montaigne opens his essay on "Repentance" with reference to one of the primary objectives of his project: the autobiographical depiction of Michel de Montaigne."
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