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Directions: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.
Rene Descartes arrived at certain fundamental principles that could be undoubtedly considered as true by questioning everything. In his Meditations on First Philosophy Descartes focused on the problem of distinguishing between wakefulness and dreaming. How can we say what reality is if there is the possibility that we are simply dreaming it?
The French philosopher argues that there is no reliable sign to tell when we are dreaming, and when we are in fact experiencing reality. Being deeply religious, the philosopher goes on to suggest that this might be a trick of some ''cunning demon'' who tries to deceive naive souls by leading them to believe that whatever is around them is real which, in fact, is a false assumption. The question that Descartes raised roughly four hundred years ago has puzzled me and caused me to question whether it is at all rational to doubt everything we perceive through hearing, seeing, touching, tasting, and smelling. To me, such a superfluous discretion is rather unjustified and unreasonable.
We believe what we want to believe. When we choose to believe or doubt, we do it for a reason that we might not admit to ourselves or others, but there is always a reason. Thus, when we cannot think of a reason not to trust our senses, then why should we doubt it?
It is no secret that what we believe has every chance of becoming true, even if it is not already in our perceived reality. Visualization techniques, psychological training, and gestalt therapy classes that have gained tremendous popularity in the past 20-25 years all teach us to control what we think, to focus on positive thinking, and to demolish those 'inner borders' of our conscience that tell us our dreams are impossible to achieve, our skills are limited, and our opportunities are few. Let us choose to believe the opposite, and not doubt the possibility of us being the masters of our lives, so that no 'cunning demon' can distract us with false perceptions and throw us off the right path.
I think it is against the nature of our body and mind to doubt our own senses at every point in time. We were created with the five senses for a reason, whether it was by God, by nature, or some other supernatural force. It is difficult to doubt the fact that we function the way we function, and perceive the way we perceive. Let us admit that there is information that humanity does not know, millions of discoveries are yet to be made, and much more that remains undiscovered by us. Does that make our lives pointless? I do not think so. I choose to believe that what I perceive is true and what I sense is trustworthy.
Q. According to the passage, which of the following problems did Descartes focus on in Meditations on First Philosophy?
  • a)
    Distinguishing between reality and dreaming
  • b)
    The tricks of the 'cunning demon' deceiving people
  • c)
    Irrationality of the view that reality is a false assumption
  • d)
    The possibility that all reality is nothing but a dream
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Directions: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.Rene ...
According to the passage, 'Descartes focused on the problem of distinguishing between wakefulness and dreaming.' Therefore, option 1 is the right answer. He discussed the tricks of the 'cunning demon' but that does not form the crux of the problem. So option 2 is incorrect. Option 3 suggests the opposite of what Descartes asserted. Option 4 is incorrect because the problem is distinguishing between reality and dreams and not assuming that all reality is a dream.
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Most Upvoted Answer
Directions: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.Rene ...
Focus of Descartes in Meditations on First Philosophy:
Descartes focused on the problem of distinguishing between reality and dreaming in his Meditations on First Philosophy. He questioned how we can confidently say what reality is when there is a possibility that we might just be dreaming it. He pondered on the reliability of our senses in discerning between wakefulness and dreaming.

Key Points:
- Descartes raised the question of distinguishing between wakefulness and dreaming in his work.
- He suggested that there is no definite sign to differentiate between dreaming and reality.
- Descartes speculated that perhaps a cunning demon is deceiving people into believing false assumptions about reality.
- This problem of distinguishing between reality and dreaming has puzzled many and led to a debate on the rationality of doubting our perceptions.
In conclusion, Descartes' focus in Meditations on First Philosophy was primarily on the problem of distinguishing between reality and dreaming, highlighting the uncertainty that exists in how we perceive the world around us.
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Directions: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.Rene Descartes arrived at certain fundamental principles that could be undoubtedly considered as true by questioning everything. In his Meditations on First Philosophy Descartes focused on the problem of distinguishing between wakefulness and dreaming. How can we say what reality is if there is the possibility that we are simply dreaming it?The French philosopher argues that there is no reliable sign to tell when we are dreaming, and when we are in fact experiencing reality. Being deeply religious, the philosopher goes on to suggest that this might be a trick of some cunning demon who tries to deceive naive souls by leading them to believe that whatever is around them is real which, in fact, is a false assumption. The question that Descartes raised roughly four hundred years ago has puzzled me and caused me to question whether it is at all rational to doubt everything we perceive through hearing, seeing, touching, tasting, and smelling. To me, such a superfluous discretion is rather unjustified and unreasonable.We believe what we want to believe. When we choose to believe or doubt, we do it for a reason that we might not admit to ourselves or others, but there is always a reason. Thus, when we cannot think of a reason not to trust our senses, then why should we doubt it?It is no secret that what we believe has every chance of becoming true, even if it is not already in our perceived reality. Visualization techniques, psychological training, and gestalt therapy classes that have gained tremendous popularity in the past 20-25 years all teach us to control what we think, to focus on positive thinking, and to demolish those inner borders of our conscience that tell us our dreams are impossible to achieve, our skills are limited, and our opportunities are few. Let us choose to believe the opposite, and not doubt the possibility of us being the masters of our lives, so that no cunning demon can distract us with false perceptions and throw us off the right path.I think it is against the nature of our body and mind to doubt our own senses at every point in time. We were created with the five senses for a reason, whether it was by God, by nature, or some other supernatural force. It is difficult to doubt the fact that we function the way we function, and perceive the way we perceive. Let us admit that there is information that humanity does not know, millions of discoveries are yet to be made, and much more that remains undiscovered by us. Does that make our lives pointless? I do not think so. I choose to believe that what I perceive is true and what I sense is trustworthy.Q. According to the passage, which of the following problems did Descartes focus on inMeditations on First Philosophy?a)Distinguishing between reality and dreamingb)The tricks of the cunning demon deceiving peoplec)Irrationality of the view that reality is a false assumptiond)The possibility that all reality is nothing but a dreamCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
Directions: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.Rene Descartes arrived at certain fundamental principles that could be undoubtedly considered as true by questioning everything. In his Meditations on First Philosophy Descartes focused on the problem of distinguishing between wakefulness and dreaming. How can we say what reality is if there is the possibility that we are simply dreaming it?The French philosopher argues that there is no reliable sign to tell when we are dreaming, and when we are in fact experiencing reality. Being deeply religious, the philosopher goes on to suggest that this might be a trick of some cunning demon who tries to deceive naive souls by leading them to believe that whatever is around them is real which, in fact, is a false assumption. The question that Descartes raised roughly four hundred years ago has puzzled me and caused me to question whether it is at all rational to doubt everything we perceive through hearing, seeing, touching, tasting, and smelling. To me, such a superfluous discretion is rather unjustified and unreasonable.We believe what we want to believe. When we choose to believe or doubt, we do it for a reason that we might not admit to ourselves or others, but there is always a reason. Thus, when we cannot think of a reason not to trust our senses, then why should we doubt it?It is no secret that what we believe has every chance of becoming true, even if it is not already in our perceived reality. Visualization techniques, psychological training, and gestalt therapy classes that have gained tremendous popularity in the past 20-25 years all teach us to control what we think, to focus on positive thinking, and to demolish those inner borders of our conscience that tell us our dreams are impossible to achieve, our skills are limited, and our opportunities are few. Let us choose to believe the opposite, and not doubt the possibility of us being the masters of our lives, so that no cunning demon can distract us with false perceptions and throw us off the right path.I think it is against the nature of our body and mind to doubt our own senses at every point in time. We were created with the five senses for a reason, whether it was by God, by nature, or some other supernatural force. It is difficult to doubt the fact that we function the way we function, and perceive the way we perceive. Let us admit that there is information that humanity does not know, millions of discoveries are yet to be made, and much more that remains undiscovered by us. Does that make our lives pointless? I do not think so. I choose to believe that what I perceive is true and what I sense is trustworthy.Q. According to the passage, which of the following problems did Descartes focus on inMeditations on First Philosophy?a)Distinguishing between reality and dreamingb)The tricks of the cunning demon deceiving peoplec)Irrationality of the view that reality is a false assumptiond)The possibility that all reality is nothing but a dreamCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for CAT 2025 is part of CAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the CAT exam syllabus. Information about Directions: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.Rene Descartes arrived at certain fundamental principles that could be undoubtedly considered as true by questioning everything. In his Meditations on First Philosophy Descartes focused on the problem of distinguishing between wakefulness and dreaming. How can we say what reality is if there is the possibility that we are simply dreaming it?The French philosopher argues that there is no reliable sign to tell when we are dreaming, and when we are in fact experiencing reality. Being deeply religious, the philosopher goes on to suggest that this might be a trick of some cunning demon who tries to deceive naive souls by leading them to believe that whatever is around them is real which, in fact, is a false assumption. The question that Descartes raised roughly four hundred years ago has puzzled me and caused me to question whether it is at all rational to doubt everything we perceive through hearing, seeing, touching, tasting, and smelling. To me, such a superfluous discretion is rather unjustified and unreasonable.We believe what we want to believe. When we choose to believe or doubt, we do it for a reason that we might not admit to ourselves or others, but there is always a reason. Thus, when we cannot think of a reason not to trust our senses, then why should we doubt it?It is no secret that what we believe has every chance of becoming true, even if it is not already in our perceived reality. Visualization techniques, psychological training, and gestalt therapy classes that have gained tremendous popularity in the past 20-25 years all teach us to control what we think, to focus on positive thinking, and to demolish those inner borders of our conscience that tell us our dreams are impossible to achieve, our skills are limited, and our opportunities are few. Let us choose to believe the opposite, and not doubt the possibility of us being the masters of our lives, so that no cunning demon can distract us with false perceptions and throw us off the right path.I think it is against the nature of our body and mind to doubt our own senses at every point in time. We were created with the five senses for a reason, whether it was by God, by nature, or some other supernatural force. It is difficult to doubt the fact that we function the way we function, and perceive the way we perceive. Let us admit that there is information that humanity does not know, millions of discoveries are yet to be made, and much more that remains undiscovered by us. Does that make our lives pointless? I do not think so. I choose to believe that what I perceive is true and what I sense is trustworthy.Q. According to the passage, which of the following problems did Descartes focus on inMeditations on First Philosophy?a)Distinguishing between reality and dreamingb)The tricks of the cunning demon deceiving peoplec)Irrationality of the view that reality is a false assumptiond)The possibility that all reality is nothing but a dreamCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for CAT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Directions: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.Rene Descartes arrived at certain fundamental principles that could be undoubtedly considered as true by questioning everything. In his Meditations on First Philosophy Descartes focused on the problem of distinguishing between wakefulness and dreaming. How can we say what reality is if there is the possibility that we are simply dreaming it?The French philosopher argues that there is no reliable sign to tell when we are dreaming, and when we are in fact experiencing reality. Being deeply religious, the philosopher goes on to suggest that this might be a trick of some cunning demon who tries to deceive naive souls by leading them to believe that whatever is around them is real which, in fact, is a false assumption. The question that Descartes raised roughly four hundred years ago has puzzled me and caused me to question whether it is at all rational to doubt everything we perceive through hearing, seeing, touching, tasting, and smelling. To me, such a superfluous discretion is rather unjustified and unreasonable.We believe what we want to believe. When we choose to believe or doubt, we do it for a reason that we might not admit to ourselves or others, but there is always a reason. Thus, when we cannot think of a reason not to trust our senses, then why should we doubt it?It is no secret that what we believe has every chance of becoming true, even if it is not already in our perceived reality. Visualization techniques, psychological training, and gestalt therapy classes that have gained tremendous popularity in the past 20-25 years all teach us to control what we think, to focus on positive thinking, and to demolish those inner borders of our conscience that tell us our dreams are impossible to achieve, our skills are limited, and our opportunities are few. Let us choose to believe the opposite, and not doubt the possibility of us being the masters of our lives, so that no cunning demon can distract us with false perceptions and throw us off the right path.I think it is against the nature of our body and mind to doubt our own senses at every point in time. We were created with the five senses for a reason, whether it was by God, by nature, or some other supernatural force. It is difficult to doubt the fact that we function the way we function, and perceive the way we perceive. Let us admit that there is information that humanity does not know, millions of discoveries are yet to be made, and much more that remains undiscovered by us. Does that make our lives pointless? I do not think so. I choose to believe that what I perceive is true and what I sense is trustworthy.Q. According to the passage, which of the following problems did Descartes focus on inMeditations on First Philosophy?a)Distinguishing between reality and dreamingb)The tricks of the cunning demon deceiving peoplec)Irrationality of the view that reality is a false assumptiond)The possibility that all reality is nothing but a dreamCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Directions: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.Rene Descartes arrived at certain fundamental principles that could be undoubtedly considered as true by questioning everything. In his Meditations on First Philosophy Descartes focused on the problem of distinguishing between wakefulness and dreaming. How can we say what reality is if there is the possibility that we are simply dreaming it?The French philosopher argues that there is no reliable sign to tell when we are dreaming, and when we are in fact experiencing reality. Being deeply religious, the philosopher goes on to suggest that this might be a trick of some cunning demon who tries to deceive naive souls by leading them to believe that whatever is around them is real which, in fact, is a false assumption. The question that Descartes raised roughly four hundred years ago has puzzled me and caused me to question whether it is at all rational to doubt everything we perceive through hearing, seeing, touching, tasting, and smelling. To me, such a superfluous discretion is rather unjustified and unreasonable.We believe what we want to believe. When we choose to believe or doubt, we do it for a reason that we might not admit to ourselves or others, but there is always a reason. Thus, when we cannot think of a reason not to trust our senses, then why should we doubt it?It is no secret that what we believe has every chance of becoming true, even if it is not already in our perceived reality. Visualization techniques, psychological training, and gestalt therapy classes that have gained tremendous popularity in the past 20-25 years all teach us to control what we think, to focus on positive thinking, and to demolish those inner borders of our conscience that tell us our dreams are impossible to achieve, our skills are limited, and our opportunities are few. Let us choose to believe the opposite, and not doubt the possibility of us being the masters of our lives, so that no cunning demon can distract us with false perceptions and throw us off the right path.I think it is against the nature of our body and mind to doubt our own senses at every point in time. We were created with the five senses for a reason, whether it was by God, by nature, or some other supernatural force. It is difficult to doubt the fact that we function the way we function, and perceive the way we perceive. Let us admit that there is information that humanity does not know, millions of discoveries are yet to be made, and much more that remains undiscovered by us. Does that make our lives pointless? I do not think so. I choose to believe that what I perceive is true and what I sense is trustworthy.Q. According to the passage, which of the following problems did Descartes focus on inMeditations on First Philosophy?a)Distinguishing between reality and dreamingb)The tricks of the cunning demon deceiving peoplec)Irrationality of the view that reality is a false assumptiond)The possibility that all reality is nothing but a dreamCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for CAT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for CAT Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Directions: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.Rene Descartes arrived at certain fundamental principles that could be undoubtedly considered as true by questioning everything. In his Meditations on First Philosophy Descartes focused on the problem of distinguishing between wakefulness and dreaming. How can we say what reality is if there is the possibility that we are simply dreaming it?The French philosopher argues that there is no reliable sign to tell when we are dreaming, and when we are in fact experiencing reality. Being deeply religious, the philosopher goes on to suggest that this might be a trick of some cunning demon who tries to deceive naive souls by leading them to believe that whatever is around them is real which, in fact, is a false assumption. The question that Descartes raised roughly four hundred years ago has puzzled me and caused me to question whether it is at all rational to doubt everything we perceive through hearing, seeing, touching, tasting, and smelling. To me, such a superfluous discretion is rather unjustified and unreasonable.We believe what we want to believe. When we choose to believe or doubt, we do it for a reason that we might not admit to ourselves or others, but there is always a reason. Thus, when we cannot think of a reason not to trust our senses, then why should we doubt it?It is no secret that what we believe has every chance of becoming true, even if it is not already in our perceived reality. Visualization techniques, psychological training, and gestalt therapy classes that have gained tremendous popularity in the past 20-25 years all teach us to control what we think, to focus on positive thinking, and to demolish those inner borders of our conscience that tell us our dreams are impossible to achieve, our skills are limited, and our opportunities are few. Let us choose to believe the opposite, and not doubt the possibility of us being the masters of our lives, so that no cunning demon can distract us with false perceptions and throw us off the right path.I think it is against the nature of our body and mind to doubt our own senses at every point in time. We were created with the five senses for a reason, whether it was by God, by nature, or some other supernatural force. It is difficult to doubt the fact that we function the way we function, and perceive the way we perceive. Let us admit that there is information that humanity does not know, millions of discoveries are yet to be made, and much more that remains undiscovered by us. Does that make our lives pointless? I do not think so. I choose to believe that what I perceive is true and what I sense is trustworthy.Q. According to the passage, which of the following problems did Descartes focus on inMeditations on First Philosophy?a)Distinguishing between reality and dreamingb)The tricks of the cunning demon deceiving peoplec)Irrationality of the view that reality is a false assumptiond)The possibility that all reality is nothing but a dreamCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Directions: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.Rene Descartes arrived at certain fundamental principles that could be undoubtedly considered as true by questioning everything. In his Meditations on First Philosophy Descartes focused on the problem of distinguishing between wakefulness and dreaming. How can we say what reality is if there is the possibility that we are simply dreaming it?The French philosopher argues that there is no reliable sign to tell when we are dreaming, and when we are in fact experiencing reality. Being deeply religious, the philosopher goes on to suggest that this might be a trick of some cunning demon who tries to deceive naive souls by leading them to believe that whatever is around them is real which, in fact, is a false assumption. The question that Descartes raised roughly four hundred years ago has puzzled me and caused me to question whether it is at all rational to doubt everything we perceive through hearing, seeing, touching, tasting, and smelling. To me, such a superfluous discretion is rather unjustified and unreasonable.We believe what we want to believe. When we choose to believe or doubt, we do it for a reason that we might not admit to ourselves or others, but there is always a reason. Thus, when we cannot think of a reason not to trust our senses, then why should we doubt it?It is no secret that what we believe has every chance of becoming true, even if it is not already in our perceived reality. Visualization techniques, psychological training, and gestalt therapy classes that have gained tremendous popularity in the past 20-25 years all teach us to control what we think, to focus on positive thinking, and to demolish those inner borders of our conscience that tell us our dreams are impossible to achieve, our skills are limited, and our opportunities are few. Let us choose to believe the opposite, and not doubt the possibility of us being the masters of our lives, so that no cunning demon can distract us with false perceptions and throw us off the right path.I think it is against the nature of our body and mind to doubt our own senses at every point in time. We were created with the five senses for a reason, whether it was by God, by nature, or some other supernatural force. It is difficult to doubt the fact that we function the way we function, and perceive the way we perceive. Let us admit that there is information that humanity does not know, millions of discoveries are yet to be made, and much more that remains undiscovered by us. Does that make our lives pointless? I do not think so. I choose to believe that what I perceive is true and what I sense is trustworthy.Q. According to the passage, which of the following problems did Descartes focus on inMeditations on First Philosophy?a)Distinguishing between reality and dreamingb)The tricks of the cunning demon deceiving peoplec)Irrationality of the view that reality is a false assumptiond)The possibility that all reality is nothing but a dreamCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Directions: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.Rene Descartes arrived at certain fundamental principles that could be undoubtedly considered as true by questioning everything. In his Meditations on First Philosophy Descartes focused on the problem of distinguishing between wakefulness and dreaming. How can we say what reality is if there is the possibility that we are simply dreaming it?The French philosopher argues that there is no reliable sign to tell when we are dreaming, and when we are in fact experiencing reality. Being deeply religious, the philosopher goes on to suggest that this might be a trick of some cunning demon who tries to deceive naive souls by leading them to believe that whatever is around them is real which, in fact, is a false assumption. The question that Descartes raised roughly four hundred years ago has puzzled me and caused me to question whether it is at all rational to doubt everything we perceive through hearing, seeing, touching, tasting, and smelling. To me, such a superfluous discretion is rather unjustified and unreasonable.We believe what we want to believe. When we choose to believe or doubt, we do it for a reason that we might not admit to ourselves or others, but there is always a reason. Thus, when we cannot think of a reason not to trust our senses, then why should we doubt it?It is no secret that what we believe has every chance of becoming true, even if it is not already in our perceived reality. Visualization techniques, psychological training, and gestalt therapy classes that have gained tremendous popularity in the past 20-25 years all teach us to control what we think, to focus on positive thinking, and to demolish those inner borders of our conscience that tell us our dreams are impossible to achieve, our skills are limited, and our opportunities are few. Let us choose to believe the opposite, and not doubt the possibility of us being the masters of our lives, so that no cunning demon can distract us with false perceptions and throw us off the right path.I think it is against the nature of our body and mind to doubt our own senses at every point in time. We were created with the five senses for a reason, whether it was by God, by nature, or some other supernatural force. It is difficult to doubt the fact that we function the way we function, and perceive the way we perceive. Let us admit that there is information that humanity does not know, millions of discoveries are yet to be made, and much more that remains undiscovered by us. Does that make our lives pointless? I do not think so. I choose to believe that what I perceive is true and what I sense is trustworthy.Q. According to the passage, which of the following problems did Descartes focus on inMeditations on First Philosophy?a)Distinguishing between reality and dreamingb)The tricks of the cunning demon deceiving peoplec)Irrationality of the view that reality is a false assumptiond)The possibility that all reality is nothing but a dreamCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Directions: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.Rene Descartes arrived at certain fundamental principles that could be undoubtedly considered as true by questioning everything. In his Meditations on First Philosophy Descartes focused on the problem of distinguishing between wakefulness and dreaming. How can we say what reality is if there is the possibility that we are simply dreaming it?The French philosopher argues that there is no reliable sign to tell when we are dreaming, and when we are in fact experiencing reality. Being deeply religious, the philosopher goes on to suggest that this might be a trick of some cunning demon who tries to deceive naive souls by leading them to believe that whatever is around them is real which, in fact, is a false assumption. The question that Descartes raised roughly four hundred years ago has puzzled me and caused me to question whether it is at all rational to doubt everything we perceive through hearing, seeing, touching, tasting, and smelling. To me, such a superfluous discretion is rather unjustified and unreasonable.We believe what we want to believe. When we choose to believe or doubt, we do it for a reason that we might not admit to ourselves or others, but there is always a reason. Thus, when we cannot think of a reason not to trust our senses, then why should we doubt it?It is no secret that what we believe has every chance of becoming true, even if it is not already in our perceived reality. Visualization techniques, psychological training, and gestalt therapy classes that have gained tremendous popularity in the past 20-25 years all teach us to control what we think, to focus on positive thinking, and to demolish those inner borders of our conscience that tell us our dreams are impossible to achieve, our skills are limited, and our opportunities are few. Let us choose to believe the opposite, and not doubt the possibility of us being the masters of our lives, so that no cunning demon can distract us with false perceptions and throw us off the right path.I think it is against the nature of our body and mind to doubt our own senses at every point in time. We were created with the five senses for a reason, whether it was by God, by nature, or some other supernatural force. It is difficult to doubt the fact that we function the way we function, and perceive the way we perceive. Let us admit that there is information that humanity does not know, millions of discoveries are yet to be made, and much more that remains undiscovered by us. Does that make our lives pointless? I do not think so. I choose to believe that what I perceive is true and what I sense is trustworthy.Q. According to the passage, which of the following problems did Descartes focus on inMeditations on First Philosophy?a)Distinguishing between reality and dreamingb)The tricks of the cunning demon deceiving peoplec)Irrationality of the view that reality is a false assumptiond)The possibility that all reality is nothing but a dreamCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Directions: Read the passage and answer the question based on it.Rene Descartes arrived at certain fundamental principles that could be undoubtedly considered as true by questioning everything. In his Meditations on First Philosophy Descartes focused on the problem of distinguishing between wakefulness and dreaming. How can we say what reality is if there is the possibility that we are simply dreaming it?The French philosopher argues that there is no reliable sign to tell when we are dreaming, and when we are in fact experiencing reality. Being deeply religious, the philosopher goes on to suggest that this might be a trick of some cunning demon who tries to deceive naive souls by leading them to believe that whatever is around them is real which, in fact, is a false assumption. The question that Descartes raised roughly four hundred years ago has puzzled me and caused me to question whether it is at all rational to doubt everything we perceive through hearing, seeing, touching, tasting, and smelling. To me, such a superfluous discretion is rather unjustified and unreasonable.We believe what we want to believe. When we choose to believe or doubt, we do it for a reason that we might not admit to ourselves or others, but there is always a reason. Thus, when we cannot think of a reason not to trust our senses, then why should we doubt it?It is no secret that what we believe has every chance of becoming true, even if it is not already in our perceived reality. Visualization techniques, psychological training, and gestalt therapy classes that have gained tremendous popularity in the past 20-25 years all teach us to control what we think, to focus on positive thinking, and to demolish those inner borders of our conscience that tell us our dreams are impossible to achieve, our skills are limited, and our opportunities are few. Let us choose to believe the opposite, and not doubt the possibility of us being the masters of our lives, so that no cunning demon can distract us with false perceptions and throw us off the right path.I think it is against the nature of our body and mind to doubt our own senses at every point in time. We were created with the five senses for a reason, whether it was by God, by nature, or some other supernatural force. It is difficult to doubt the fact that we function the way we function, and perceive the way we perceive. Let us admit that there is information that humanity does not know, millions of discoveries are yet to be made, and much more that remains undiscovered by us. Does that make our lives pointless? I do not think so. I choose to believe that what I perceive is true and what I sense is trustworthy.Q. According to the passage, which of the following problems did Descartes focus on inMeditations on First Philosophy?a)Distinguishing between reality and dreamingb)The tricks of the cunning demon deceiving peoplec)Irrationality of the view that reality is a false assumptiond)The possibility that all reality is nothing but a dreamCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice CAT tests.
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