Exploring Cartesian Skepticism and Ethical Theories

Cartesian Skepticism

Doubt about the possibility of knowledge.

Global Skepticism

No one knows any proposition p.

Rene Descartes

Philosopher who questioned skepticism's validity.

Method of Doubt

Reject beliefs that can be doubted.

Infallibilism

Knowledge requires no possible doubt.

Sense Doubt

Senses can deceive; trust is limited.

Obscure Sensations

Sensations that are unclear or distant.

Clear Sensations

Sensations perceived under optimal conditions.

Dream Doubt

Uncertainty about reality due to dreams.

Deceiving Demon Doubt

Possibility of a demon manipulating perceptions.

Sources of Justification

Basis for validating beliefs and knowledge.

Introspection

Self-examination of thoughts and beliefs.

Cogito

I think, therefore I am.

Skeptical Scenario

Beliefs do not reflect reality.

External World Skepticism

Doubt about knowledge of the external world.

The Wax Argument

Essence of wax is its extension, not properties.

Learning from Introspection

Understanding self through self-reflection.

Thinking Thing

Entity defined by its capacity to think.

Putnam's Brains in a Vat

Thought experiment questioning reality perception.

The Skeptical Argument

If unsure of reality, knowledge is impossible.

Essential Properties

Characteristics that define an object's nature.

Extension

Property of taking up space in reality.

Mental Substance

Nature of the mind as thinking entity.

Judgments

Conclusions formed based on reasoning.

Beliefs

Acceptance that something is true or real.

Doubting

Questioning the validity of a belief.

Imagining

Forming mental images or concepts.

Perceiving

Interpreting sensory information from the environment.

Memories

Recollection of past experiences or information.

Volitions

Acts of will or conscious choice.

Language

System of communication using statements and assertions.

Truth-value

Relation determining truth of statements about facts.

Skeptical scenario

Hypothetical situation questioning knowledge of reality.

Fred-the-Bulldog Skepticism

Belief in an imaginary bulldog affecting knowledge.

Brain in a Vat (BIV)

Thought experiment questioning perception and reality.

Putnam's Argument

Claiming knowledge of being a BIV is false.

No magical reference principle

Thoughts require intention to represent objects.

Reference

Linking names to the objects they denote.

Representation

Mental depiction of objects or concepts.

Intention

Conscious connection between name and object.

Common Sense Realism

Belief in an external world independent of perception.

G.E. Moore

Philosopher arguing against external world skepticism.

Proof of External World

Argument using hands to demonstrate existence.

Sufficient Conditions of Proof

Requirements for a valid proof in philosophy.

Knowledge without Proof

Claiming knowledge without needing absolute certainty.

The Duke of Devonshire

Example illustrating knowledge requires awareness of reality.

Modus Ponens

Logical argument form affirming consequent from antecedent.

Modus Tollens

Logical argument form denying antecedent from consequent.

Moore's Trap

Skeptical contradiction regarding dreaming and senses.

Imaginary bulldog

Concept used to illustrate knowledge limitations.

Perception

Awareness of objects through sensory experience.

Belief

Acceptance that something is true or exists.

Assertion

Statement declaring something as a fact.

Propositions

Statements expressing ideas that can be true or false.

Mental representations

Internal images or concepts reflecting external reality.

Knowledge

Justified true belief about a subject.

Thought

Mental process of considering or reasoning.

Skepticism

Doubt about the possibility of knowledge.

Dreaming

A state where perceptions may not reflect reality.

Deceiving Demon

Hypothetical being that misleads perceptions.

Moore's Claim

Knowledge can exist without proof.

Fallibilism

Knowledge can exist without absolute certainty.

Cartesian Realism

Belief in the reality of perceptions.

Ontology

Study of existence and being.

Real Distinction

Separation between mind and body.

Extended Substance

Physical reality existing beyond perception.

Innate Idea of Extension

Inherent understanding of physical extension.

Ockham's Razor

Simplest explanation is preferred.

Abduction

Inference to the best explanation.

Mind-Body Problem

Challenge of explaining mind-body interaction.

Pre-Established Harmony

God's arrangement of mind-body interactions.

Berkeleyan Idealism

Only mental substances and ideas exist.

Master Argument

Argument against the reality of extended substance.

Berkeley's Cogito

Existence of the mind is self-evident.

Wax Argument

Distinction between primary and secondary properties.

Relativity of Extension

Extension varies based on observer's perception.

Skeptical Scenarios (SK)

Hypothetical situations questioning knowledge certainty.

Cartesian Circle

Circular reasoning in Descartes' arguments.

God as Non-Deceiver

Assumption that God does not mislead.

Common Sense

Basic level of practical knowledge.

Arguments Against Extended Substance

Challenges to the existence of physical reality.

Realist Inference

Assumption that reality explains our ideas.

Berkeley's Project

Argument against the existence of extended substance.

Negative Part

Arguments against reality of extended substance.

Likeness Principle

Ideas can only resemble other ideas.

Veil of Perception

Barrier between sensations and their meanings.

Esse Est Percipi

To be is to be perceived.

God's Role

God generates perceptions in our minds.

Archetype

An idea existing only in God's mind.

Glaucon's Challenge

Questioning the intrinsic value of justice.

Eudaimonia

True happiness or living well.

Kinds of Good

Categorization of goods based on value.

Intrinsic Good

Good valued for its own sake.

Extrinsic Good

Good valued for its consequences.

Social Contract

Agreement to avoid harm for mutual benefit.

Rings of Gyges

Story illustrating justice without consequences.

Two Lives Thought Experiment

Contrasting outcomes for just and unjust individuals.

Moral Value

Aspects that determine goodness or badness.

Consequences of Justice

Outcomes that affect perception of justice.

Material Substance

Physical entities that cannot cause ideas.