Philosophy Descartes attempts to explain the cause of errors in human beings. Descartes says that error occurs "since the will extends further than the intellect" (Descartes p.39). That’s because our intellect is something that is finite; it is limited to the perception of only certain things. Whereas our will‚ ability to choose is not limited; it is has an infinite capacity. Therefore we sometimes attempt to will things which we do not have a complete understanding of. Descartes’ argument‚
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How successful are Descartes’ arguments for the real distinction of mind from body? Upon which would you put the most weight? Using the arguments from doubt‚ from clear and distinct perceptions‚ and from simplicity‚ Descartes attempts to prove in “The Meditations” that the mind (that is the soul or the “thinking thing”) is distinct and separate from the body (the extended‚ unthinking thing). This view is now known as Cartesian Dualism. In this essay I will outline Descartes’ main arguments‚
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over the function of poetry are shown in The Republic by Plato and in The Defense of Poesy by Sir Philip Sidney. These two pieces describe the critics’ opinion over what poetry should be. Even though Plato and Sidney had different‚ as well as some similar‚ views concerning the purpose and use of poetry‚ these views were all based on the culture and society in which they were surrounded‚ as well as the time period in which they lived. Plato and Sidney were two very distinct men who each lived in
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Aristotle vs. Kant Ethical Teachings Central to modern ethical teachings are the views expressed by Aristotle and Kant‚ whose writings and works have influenced ethical issues over centuries. This essay presents a comparison between the ethical teachings of Aristotle and Immanuel Kant with the use of three concepts presented by Aristotle and Kant which in the context of a contemporary ethical issue such as abortion. Firstly will consider the philosopher’s views and ideas on living the best possible
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To begin with‚ this essay will look at both Descartes understanding of the mind and body and whether or not the reasons for the mind and body being distinct are plausible. It will look at the various arguments and understandings in defence of dualism as well as look at its flaws to then come to a conclusion on whether Descartes does in fact give good reasons for believing that the mind could exist without the body. Firstly‚ Descartes’ ‘method of doubt’ attempts to ‘defeat the sceptic’ in his beliefs
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Confucius and Plato Confucius and Plato were two of the most respected and widely known thinkers. There philosophies of how people should be governed‚ what characteristics make for a good leader‚ and other thoughts have influenced many aspects of the ancient and present world. Confucius and Plato’s ideas have benefited their own civilizations and later civilizations‚ and they both shared many similarities and differences in their ideas. First‚ Confucius‚ a Chinese thinker and the founder of Confucianism
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Plato was a great philosopher who helped shape the thinking of his fellow peers. He was able to do so greatly by publishing a soon-to-be famous dialogue. Moreover‚ the Timaeus is one of Plato’s most well-known works. In this dialogue‚ he presents his audience with a very elaborate explanation on how the universe was created and formed. In the Timaeus‚ Plato made sure to include certain contributors who featured: Socrates‚ Timaeus‚ Hemocrates‚ and Critias. Plato created this masterpiece because he
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in Mediations on First Philosophy‚ Rene Descartes‚ nothing can be certain. Similarly‚ in The Matrix‚ the Wachowski brothers raise the question of how does anyone know what is real and what is not? The Wachowski brothers and Descartes describe their ideas about knowledge and epistemology through skepticism. Knowledge is a justified‚ true belief. According to Descartes‚ knowledge comes from two sources: Experiences‚ which are the senses‚ and reason. Descartes starts his argument by stating that many
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themselves. Plato‚ who helped lay the foundation for western culture‚ saw the problems in art over 2‚000 years ago. Plato’s The Republic is a series of books that discusses the republic that Plato is trying to create. In each book Plato touches on different topics dealing with the art‚ that he feels effect society then. Today‚ some of the points that Plato argue can still be argued. Plato looks only at the negative effects that art can have‚ rather than the positive effects. In Book II‚ Plato focuses
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Aristotle On Friendship Philosophical Ethics December 6‚ 1995 Friendship is undoubtedly one of the most important elements in the books of Aristotle’s ethical principles. Aristotle takes the idea of friendship to a serious degree. He categorizes them into three groups or types of friendships. This report will attempt to define each type of friendship as well as identify the role of friendship in a society. Aristotle considers friendship to be a necessity to live. He
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