Read the posts on 1. Clear and Distinct Ideas and the Cartesian Circle, 2. The Ontological Argument, and then write the following essay:
Assess the Ontological Argument and explain its significance in Descartes' philosophy.
You may choose to mention the Trademark Argument but don't linger on it. You may also mention the Cartesian Circle criticism, which is especially relevant if you are attacking the Ontological Argument by disagreeing with Descartes' account of rational knowledge (clear and distinct ideas). You can't really ignore the Kantian and Humean criticisms.
I would like you to build in some actual quotations from Meditation 5. Also do some research, eg using the on-line encyclopedias of philosophy.
Remember that you are assessing, or evaluating, the argument. You have to give a full account of the argument and of some of the main objections to it...but you must go a step further and assess the criticisms also. Don't automatically agree with criticisms. Reach a conclusion by weighing up the balance of how successful the arguments are on both sides. Think about your conclusion: remember that Descartes claims not only to have proved that God exists but that He exists necessarily.
Deadline: Tuesday 17th November.
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