Philosophy 1050-024 Spring 2008                                                                 NAME:

Introduction to Philosophy

Reading Questionnaire #9

Due: TUESDAY, April 1

Rene Descartes: Meditations on First Philosophy, Meditation Six (pp. 92-103)

Please answer each question in 2-4 sentences.

1. Near the beginning of the sixth Meditation (p. 96; marginal page #78), Descartes says that he is certain that "I am really distinct from my body, and can exist without it."  Why does he think so?

2. How are minds different from bodies, according to Descartes?  Why does he think so?