PHILOS 1A03 Study Guide - Gilbert Ryle, Philosophical Zombie, Derek Parfit

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Philosophy
• Course: PHILOS 1A03
• Professor: Mark Johnstone

Document Summary

I shall suppose that some malicious, powerful, cunning demon has done all he can to deceive me. This passage is from rene descartes first mediation. Issues: say if god did exist, being an all-powerful deity. Would not allow me to be deceived since god is supremely good. If god is supremely good than he would stop me from being deceived at all times, even if i know that i am occasionally deceived. If god did not exist however, than i am a product of fate, or a long series of events. The less powerful they make it the more likely i am to be deceived-because deception and error are imperfections. Sceptical principles may flourish and triumph in the philosophy lecture-room, where it is indeed hard if not impossible to refute them. This passage is from david hume"s first inquiry: the sceptical philosophy.