Intro

In his Meditations, Renee Descartes argues that we cannot be certain, at this moment, if we are dreaming or awake. In the paper that follows, I will show how Descartes comes to this conclusion, by explaining the steps of his argument. Then, I will offer my own critique of his argument, by showing that we can in fact know if we are dreaming or awake.

How do we really achieve the good in somebody? (Plato - Polemarcus

How do we really achieve the good in somebody? (Plato - Polemarcus)

2 inductive arguments against achieving the Good by harm

Premise 1: horses become worse if harmed
Premise 2: dogs become worse if harmed
Conclusion: Therefore, humans become worse if harmed.

own version
Premise 1: I don't become a better player-piano if someone punches in the face
Premise 2: I don't become a better basket ball player if somebody punches me in the face.
Premise 3: I don't become a better student by somebody hitting me.
Conclusion: It seems that physical violence does not add to my cognitive abilities.

2. inductive argument for how we become just

Premise 1: music cannot make people unmusical
Premise 2: riding a horse cannot make you a worse horseman
Conclusion: you cannot become unjust by exercising justice


Deductive argument of like by like

Premise 1: desired effects have to have similar causes
Explanation: For example, heat can only achieved by something that is hot.
Premise 2: justice is harmony
Conclusion: Justice cannot be achieved by something that destroys harmony. Therefore justice is achieved by participating in the Good.