D5

Class Responses and Instructor Comments

>From Tarepanda:

Something "certain" and "indubitable"

>rm says: He thinks that math is certain and indubitable, until he becomes uncertain and doubts it! So, what creates the doubt?

>From natalie:

the demon deceiver makes him doubt the truth about mathematics because he controls your mind and questions everything into doubt.

>rm says: Yes, or he could control our minds. (The deceiver need only be possible, not real!)

>From anna grier: Enter the evil demon deciever that causes doubt
of whether certain things exist,but Descartes is of the understanding that whether he is asleep or awake certain propteries exists in mathematics, regardless.

>rm says: In the second part of this, you seem to talk about beliefs that Descartes does not doubt, but this question is about how he does in fact doubt them. Also, the possibility of a deceiver makes Descartes doubt not just the existence of objects, but their natures, as well.

>From Avrohom: I think the only thing that can make Descartes doubt math in the demon deciever bec. math cannot be an illusion or a dream.

>rm says: Perhaps it would be better to say that the doubts of illusion and dreaming don't affect our beliefs in mathematics.

Descartes Reading Guide 5. What makes Descartes doubt the truth of mathematics?		Back to Descartes Reading Guide Back to Philosophy 101 Home Next Question
Enter your response to the above question, or to a previous response, in the form below, or use this email link. I will post your response on the right, and comment if I think I can be helpful. When emailing, instead of using the form, please indicate the question number. When using the form below, if you neglect to enter your name or email, I won't know who you are.	Class Responses and Instructor Comments >From Tarepanda: Something "certain" and "indubitable" >rm says: He thinks that math is certain and indubitable, until he becomes uncertain and doubts it! So, what creates the doubt? >From natalie: the demon deceiver makes him doubt the truth about mathematics because he controls your mind and questions everything into doubt. >rm says: Yes, or he could control our minds. (The deceiver need only be possible, not real!) >From anna grier: Enter the evil demon deciever that causes doubt of whether certain things exist,but Descartes is of the understanding that whether he is asleep or awake certain propteries exists in mathematics, regardless. >rm says: In the second part of this, you seem to talk about beliefs that Descartes does not doubt, but this question is about how he does in fact doubt them. Also, the possibility of a deceiver makes Descartes doubt not just the existence of objects, but their natures, as well. >From Avrohom: I think the only thing that can make Descartes doubt math in the demon deciever bec. math cannot be an illusion or a dream. >rm says: Perhaps it would be better to say that the doubts of illusion and dreaming don't affect our beliefs in mathematics.
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