Philosophy / Unit 2 Philosophy 0091 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Reconstructing the Dream Argument
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The idea
Reconstructing the dream argument: applying the standard-form procedure to Descartes' skeptical reasoning, then evaluating it by the deductive standard.
In practice
The passage, from Meditation One: dreams have deceived me with experiences indistinguishable from waking, and there are no sure marks separating the two states.
Where people slip
Attack a premise, not the philosopher. A valid argument concedes nothing until a premise falls.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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