Cartesian Circularity

PHI 2010                                          ASSIGNMENT #3  Please read the lecture notes entitled ‘Descartes’, ‘Descartes on the Existence of God’ and ‘Descartes on the Material World’, together with any relevant readings from your course book, ‘Philosophy Here and Now’ and any associated or recommended text before considering the following questions:   What was the aim and the proposed methodology of the Cartesian Projectand what factors persuaded Descartes to pursue it?   Explain and evaluate the ‘Evil Deceiver’ conjecture within the context of the project – why was it introduced, what problems did it raise and how were they overcome?   Explain and evaluate the ‘Ball of Wax’ scenario.   What do you understand by the term, ‘Cartesian Circularity’?   Where you have used additional reading or other research methods, you must acknowledge all your sources.