1. Descartes is called the father of modern philosophy. What is his new philosophical method like? How is it designed to advance philosophy beyond the confusion of the past?
2. What “item” is the first thing Descartes can know in his meditations? How does he go about proving that this “item” must be true no matter what? Do you think his proof works? Why? Why not?
3.Relate Descartes’ ontological proof for God’s existence in your own words. Then evaluate it. Do you think there could be objections raised to it? What have some philosophers said against it?
4.Descartes starts his philosophy by giving us some good reasons to doubt what our senses tell us about the material world. How does he eventually prove that we can be sure about the existence of the material world?
5. Describe what philosophical problems are involved in the mind/body problem. Then discuss the solutions to this problem proposed in the book. Finally give reasons for which one of the solutions you find most satisfactory.
6. What is a category mistake? Give a creative example of one. How does Ryle see Descartes as committing one in his dualistic theory?
7. Fully explain the various ways Berkeley argues for idealism. Be careful to put things in your own words.

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