QuestionJune 29, 2025

Descartes believed that it is possible that ''2+2=5'' because there may be an evil demon that likes to trick and deceive us. True False

Descartes believed that it is possible that ''2+2=5'' because there may be an evil demon that likes to trick and deceive us. True False
Descartes believed that it is possible that ''2+2=5'' because there may be an evil demon that likes to
trick and deceive us.
True
False

Solution
4.0(257 votes)

Answer

False Explanation 1. Understand Descartes' Philosophy René Descartes is known for his philosophical statement "Cogito, ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am"). He explored skepticism and the possibility of deception by an evil demon as a thought experiment to doubt everything that can be doubted, in order to find something indubitable. However, he did not literally believe that mathematical truths like 2+2=5 could be false; rather, he used this as a hypothetical scenario to illustrate radical skepticism. 2. Evaluate the Statement The statement suggests that Descartes believed it is possible for 2+2=5 due to deception by an evil demon. While Descartes considered the possibility of being deceived about many things, he ultimately concluded that mathematical truths are certain and indubitable. Therefore, the statement is misleading if interpreted as Descartes genuinely believing 2+2=5 could be true.

Explanation

1. Understand Descartes' Philosophy<br /> René Descartes is known for his philosophical statement "Cogito, ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am"). He explored skepticism and the possibility of deception by an evil demon as a thought experiment to doubt everything that can be doubted, in order to find something indubitable. However, he did not literally believe that mathematical truths like $2+2=5$ could be false; rather, he used this as a hypothetical scenario to illustrate radical skepticism.<br /><br />2. Evaluate the Statement<br /> The statement suggests that Descartes believed it is possible for $2+2=5$ due to deception by an evil demon. While Descartes considered the possibility of being deceived about many things, he ultimately concluded that mathematical truths are certain and indubitable. Therefore, the statement is misleading if interpreted as Descartes genuinely believing $2+2=5$ could be true.
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