PHIL 111: Introduction to Philosophy

LARKIN: Spring 2003

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DATE: 3-03-03

I. Objectives

A. Discuss the Free Will Problem

B. Confront the Problem of the Cartesian Circle

C. Discuss Meditation Four and the Problem of Error

II. Discussion:

What do we think of Descartes’ program so far?

Are we on secure epistemic footing and on our way to building back all of our beliefs?

What if anything is wrong with Descartes’ argument for the existence of God?

III. Lecture:

A. The Cartesian Circle

1. Descartes’ Epistemic Principle

2. It’s Justification

3. It’s Application

4. Is Descartes Begging the Question?

B. The Problem of Error

1. God as non-deceiver

2. How is error possible?

3. The Free Will/Finite Understanding Defense

IV. Discussion:

The Problem of Free Will

V. Next Time

A. Topic: Meditation Five

B. Reading: Descartes, “Meditation Five”

C. Reading Questions: No Questions