Category Archives: Modern Philosophy – 1600-1800

Kant’s Categories

Posted on June 24, 2010 by profgiles

In conversation recently, someone suggested that Kant’s categories of understanding could be described as algorithms that organize sense data. An algorithm, the someone said, is defined as “a procedure for solving a mathematical problem in a finite number of steps … Continue reading →

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Kepler Destroys the Universe

Posted on January 26, 2010 by profgiles

It is almost impossible for us today to imagine the profound effect of Kepler’s theory of planetary motion (published in 1609). It was always an unquestioned assumption that everything in the heavens was pristine and perfect and that meant that … Continue reading →

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Spinoza’s Proposition 1.5

Posted on January 16, 2010 by profgiles

Many students have trouble understanding Spinoza’s Proposition 1.5 and exactly what it is he is trying to prove. Here is what Spinoza said: In Nature there cannot be two or more substances having the same nature or attribute. If there … Continue reading →

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Descartes’ Circle Debunked

Posted on January 9, 2010 by profgiles

Almost since Descartes published his book Meditations he has been accused of committing a fallacy of circular reasoning with his argument that God is the guarantor of the truth of our belief in an external world. Descartes’ argument has ever … Continue reading →

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Misunderstanding Descrates

Posted on May 27, 2009 by profgiles

Rene Descartes is one of the few philosophers students have heard about before they take a philosophy course. Descartes is known for “I think, therefore I am”—the famous “Cogito” that almost everyone knows. But knowing the quote doesn’t mean you … Continue reading →

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