EMP- essay on cartesian circle

Intro

Descartes can escape the Cartesian Circle because the truth rule is not used in proving God’s existence, as argued by Van Cleve

paragraph 1

circle arises because Descartes justifies the truth rule using God, while also proving God using clear and distinct perceptions. truth rule states that whatever we clearly and distinctly perceive is true. Arnauld objects circular. God needed to remove doubt introduced. thinking thing as clearly and distinctly perceived. some beliefs indubitable when directly contemplating but doubt arises when considering deceiving God hypothesis. extend certainty so not just temporary when directly contemplating. clear and distinct idea of God has greater objective reality than I could cause.

Paragraph 2- Memory answer

memory answer- current is certain, remembered needs God. now circularity avoided as only recollected clear and distinct beliefs rely on God and current clear and distinct used for proof of God. / Descartes suggests recolleciton of God being proven is sufficient, meaning circularity as recollection justifies recollection.

Paragraph 3-psychological interpretation

psychological vs metaphysical certainty. Loeb-aims for unshakability not epistemic certainty, cannot be dislodged by argument. current cannot be dislodged but recollected can. require that recollecting truth rule is enough to create unshakability, but only current are psychologically irresistable. weaker sense of unshakability-posses argument to prevent belief from being dislodged, ability to reproduce proof. change aim- psychological certainty not epistemic justification of clear and distinct perception

Paragraph 4- Van Cleve

do not need to recognise that I have met conditions in the rule, do not need to be certain of rule either, just need to meet conditions.