A supporter of the Cartesian hypothesis would probably agree with which of the following statements?
Show Hint
- Understanding a proposition is one thing and believing another
- Believing is the most effortful thing that a human mind does
- Belief is more quickly and easily acquired than doubt
- Human beings are more prone to rejecting than believing propositions
- Human beings are skeptical and credulous in equal measure
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the statement that aligns with the Cartesian hypothesis as described in the passage.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The passage explains the Cartesian hypothesis as follows: "...when an understandable proposition is presented to a human mind, the comprehension of its content happens automatically and passively; however, the assessment of the truth-value of that proposition is a later and deliberate act, the result of which is either belief or disbelief."
This clearly separates the act of comprehension (understanding) from the act of assessment (which leads to belief or disbelief). They are described as two distinct, sequential processes.
Let's analyze the options based on this:
(A) Understanding a proposition is one thing and believing another: This statement perfectly captures the essence of the Cartesian view that comprehension and belief are separate mental events.
(B) Believing is the most effortful thing that a human mind does: The passage states that for Descartes, the mental effort to create belief and disbelief is the same. It does not claim it is the "most effortful" thing.
(C) Belief is more quickly and easily acquired than doubt: This describes the Spinozan hypothesis, where belief is the automatic default, and disbelief (doubt) requires effort.
(D) Human beings are more prone to rejecting than believing propositions: The passage does not support this claim for the Cartesian view. The final paragraph suggests the opposite is true in general, which supports the Spinozan view.
(E) Human beings are skeptical and credulous in equal measure: According to Descartes, the effort for belief and disbelief is the same, which might imply this, but statement (A) is a more direct and accurate summary of the core tenet of the hypothesis described. The separation of understanding and believing is the primary point.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, the statement that a supporter of the Cartesian hypothesis would most agree with is that understanding and believing are two separate processes.
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