Scepticism, Freedom and Autonomy: A Study of the Morale Foundations of Descartes Theory of - Couverture rigide

Araujo, Marcelo De

Couverture rigide

ISBN 10 : 311017538X ISBN 13 : 9783110175387

Editeur : De Gruyter, 2002

Synopsis

How much does what we think depend on what we want? Descartes' much-discussed position has often been interpreted to mean that we hold an opinion as the result of a decision. In Scepticism, Freedom and Autonomy, Araujo argues against this interpretation, asserting that we retain control over our opinions only through selective attention. Even for this limited control, however, Cartesian Scepticism implies the possibility of self-delusion, symbolized in the writings of Descartes by the figure of the evil god. Hence, the existence of an evil god would not only cast doubt on our claims to knowledge but also jeopardize our freedom.

In this new interpretation, the Cartesian Scepticism, which is usually ascribed only epistemic significance, proves relevant for a fundamental moral question, that of human autonomy in general.

A propos du livre

À propos de l?auteur

Marcelo de Araujo is a university lecturer on philosophy at the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: De Gruyter
• Date d'édition: 2002
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 311017538X
• ISBN 13: 9783110175387
• Reliure: Relié
• Nombre de pages: 237
• Coordonnées du fabricant: productsafety@degruyterbrill.com; productsafety@degruyterbrill.com; ; Theaterstraße 13; Göttingen; 37073; Allemagne