In our readings, both Plato (in the Phaedo) and Descartes (in the Meditations) challenge the
everyday assumption that our bodily senses should be our primary means for understanding
ourselves, the world, and our relation to it.
a) Briefly describe their two positions on these matters, with emphases on the roles these
accounts play in their larger respective projects and arguments. pay special attention
to places where the two thinkers might agree, and where they might disagree.
b) Which, if either, of the two positions do you agree with more? provide clear reasons
for your opinion, with reference to the philosophical positions each account is meant to
support. (If you agree with neither thinker on the matter, please defend that position with
reference to the same material.)
