Phil 230 - 5Th Meditation

Front 1

What is an example of something that does not exist in the material world, yet is not nothing?

Back 1

Abstract geometric objects (squares, triangles, circles) do not exist in the material world, yet they are not "nothing".

Front 2

Are mathematical and geometric objects more or less certain than the objects of the senses?

Back 2

Mathematical and geometric objects are more certain than objects of the senses, since they are clearly and distinctly perceived.

Front 3

How does the quality of existence prove that must God exist?

Back 3

- God exists as an idea in the Meditator's mind, and he clearly and distinctly perceives all of his qualities.
- One of those qualities is existence, so it follows from clear and distinct perception that God must exist.
- If existence is the essence of God, then God would not be God if he did not exist, just as a triangle would not be a triangle if it were not three-sided.

Front 4

Are clear and distinct judgments always convincing?

Back 4

Yes. Clear and distinct judgments are always convincing.

Front 5

What must a thing's properties be if they are essential?

Back 5

A thing's properties must be clearly and distinctly perceived.

Front 6

Does Descartes give us an understanding of the essence of material things?

Back 6

Descartes has given us a better understanding of mathematical objects, but he has NOT given us a better understanding of how we can know the essence of material things.

Front 7

God cannot be conceived of without _________.

Back 7

God cannot be conceived of without existence.