... that we learned everything in an earlier life, before we became people. So, we already have all of our knowledge. He demonstrates this theory by asking the slave boy various geometry questions which the slave boy answers correctly (even though they are pretty much just "yes or no" questions)- proving that he knows and understands ... geometry, although he has not learned it previously. Therefore the knowledge was "recollected." As Socrates says in the text, "And if there have been always true thoughts in him, both at ... ...

• Word Count: 1781
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

... window in our dream while sleeping in the bed, the image is different from reality but two plus two is still four even while we are asleep. Sciences as such geometry and mathematics are certain and indubitable for Descartes. In science classes, instructors stress the importance of determining causation. The modern scientific method allows for many ways to describe every imaginable ... ...

• Word Count: 1541
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... knowledge, Descartes considered ancient logic. It is apparent that he believes that logic can only be used to com municate those concepts that are already known and accepted. He rejects geometry and algebraic analysis because of the restrictions which limit these subjects to figures alone. Instead, he prefers mathematics since it is controlled and limited by rigid ru les. Just as ... ...

• Word Count: 1593
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... on to more certain truths. He says that things such as physics, astronomy and medicine can be doubted as they are based on physical objects. Things such as arithmetic and geometry however, seem indubitable as, whether we are awake or asleep, a square has four sides and two plus three equals five (see Cottingham, 1986, p. 14). He brings into play the idea ... ...

• Word Count: 1447
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... window in our dream while sleeping in the bed, the image is different from reality but two plus two is still four even while we are asleep. Sciences as such geometry and mathematics are certain and indubitable for Descartes. In science classes, instructors stress the importance of determining causation. The modern scientific method allows for many ways to describe every imaginable ... ...

• Word Count: 1525
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate