Reading Response #1

Reading Response #1 is due at the beginning of class on Tuesday, September 28th. In about a 500-word essay, answer the following questions:

• What kinds of beliefs does Descartes say he cannot be certain of? Why does he believe he can't be certain of these?  Hint: Descartes mentions 2 general categories of beliefs in Meditation I (pages 207-210).  See also pages 159-160.
• What beliefs does Descartes say he can be certain of? Why does he believe he can be certain of these?  Hint: Descartes mentions 2 specific beliefs in Meditation II (pages 210-216).  See also pages 160-162.
• Evaluate his reasons: do you agree with Descartes? Why or why not?

Please paraphrase Descartes's ideas in your own words. The response is based on the Descartes reading from pages 207-216 of the textbook.