D Question 26 6 pts Here is a portion of paragraph 3 of Meditation II. With whic
ID: 3453168 • Letter: D
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D Question 26 6 pts Here is a portion of paragraph 3 of Meditation II. With which sentence does Descartes use the idea of the evil genius to establish the possibility that he can, after all, be certain about something? But I had the persuasion that there was absolutely nothing in the world, that there was no sky and no earth, neither minds nor bodies; was I not, therefore, at the same time, persuaded that I did not exist? Far from it; I assuredly existed, since I was persuaded. But there is I know not what being, who is possessed at once of the highest power and the deepest cunning, who is constantly employing all his ingenuity in deceiving me Doubtless, then, I exist, since I am deceived; and, let him deceive me as he may, he can never bring it about that I am nothing, so long as I shall be conscious that I am something. O So that it must, in fine, be maintained, all things being maturely and carefully considered, that this proposition I am I exist, is necessarily true each time it is expressed by me, or conceived in my mind.Explanation / Answer
The fourth option is the correct answer. Descartes brings the idea of the evil genius by introducing his thoughts on the self-doubting part of his mind “...never bring it about that I am nothing so long as I think that I am something" in his meditations, Descartes explores an immmovable point of knowledge. He searches for it through the opposing force of doubt. He contemplates that the only entity capable of persuading him to doubt his mental ability is God, but since a God cannot operate from evil or bad intentions, he looks for another mechanism that would operate behind his skepticism. It is in this context that he mentions the evil genius as a powerful force which can make him doubt both the posteriori( contingent truths) and apriori( necesssary truths).
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