Today’s class focus on review through student questions
Students encouraged to ask questions on material or study guide
Aim for clarification of concepts students find confusing
Class will share questions and collaboratively answer them
First 5 Minutes: Students develop questions individually
Group Sharing: Questions compiled on the board
Discussion: Answer as many questions as possible
Future Classes: Further discussion on examples from readings; next review on Monday
Class Cancellation: Reminder about no class next Friday, March 7
Resources: Slides available on Canvas after unit completion
A Priori vs. A Posteriori
Definitions:
A Priori: Knowledge that is independent of experience, e.g., mathematical truths
A Posteriori: Knowledge that depends on experience, e.g., sensory observations
Examples:
A priori: "A triangle has three sides"
A posteriori: "It is cold in State College"
Wax Example (Descartes):
Demonstrates that true understanding goes beyond sensory perceptions
Key Points:
Wax can change forms and sensory attributes
Essential qualities of wax lie in its capacity for change (extended, flexible, mutable)
Understanding derives from intellect rather than imagination
Evil Genius Hypothesis:
Descartes posits an evil genius to doubt all foundational knowledge
Helps establish "I think, therefore I am" as undeniable truth
Doubt inherently requires a doubter:
Knowledge of existence rooted in self-awareness and thought
Mind-Body Distinction (Dualism):
Characteristics:
Mind: immaterial, indivisible, associated with thought
Body: physical, divisible, occupies space
Problem of Interaction:
How can an immaterial mind influence a physical body?
Challenges faced in explaining this connection
Main Claims:
Knowledge is socially situated; perspectives differ based on social, cultural, and historical contexts
Marginalized lives provide an invaluable starting point for knowledge production
Strong Objectivity:
Acknowledges the socially situated nature of knowledge but argues for redefining objectivity
Encourages self-reflexivity and critical engagement with varied perspectives
Continue review discussion in next class
Students encouraged to consult study guide and review materials before midterm examination.