Question

Unlike the Spinozan hypothesis, the Cartesian hypothesis suggests that at any point in time, a human mind may contain some

• A. ununderstood propositions that are believed
• B. ununderstood propositions that are neither believed nor disbelieved
• C. understood propositions that are believed
• D. understood propositions that are disbelieved
• E. understood propositions that are neither believed nor disbelieved

Hint:

To answer "unlike" or "in contrast to" questions, create a mini-table in your mind (or on scratch paper) listing the key features of each concept being compared. This helps to pinpoint the exact point of difference.

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question asks for a key difference between the Cartesian and Spinozan hypotheses concerning the states of propositions in the mind.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's contrast the two hypotheses based on the passage:
Cartesian Hypothesis: It posits a two-step process. First, comprehension occurs. Then, there is a "later and deliberate act" of assessment. The passage explicitly states, "...and till such an assessment is made, the intellect neither affirms nor denies a comprehended proposition." This means there is a period where a proposition is understood but is in a neutral state—neither believed nor disbelieved.
Spinozan Hypothesis: It suggests a one-step process. "...comprehension of and belief in an understandable proposition happen together, automatically and passively." This implies that as soon as a proposition is understood, it is automatically believed (at least temporarily). There is no intermediate state of being understood but not yet believed.
The key difference, therefore, is the existence of this neutral, intermediate state. The Cartesian model allows for a mind to contain propositions that have been understood but not yet assessed for their truth value.
Analyzing the options:
(A) & (B) Both hypotheses state that a proposition must be understood for the question of belief to be valid. So, ununderstood propositions are not considered in this context.
(C) & (D) Both hypotheses agree that a mind can contain understood propositions that are believed or disbelieved. This is the end result in both models.
(E) understood propositions that are neither believed nor disbelieved: This state is unique to the Cartesian hypothesis. It is the state after comprehension but before the "deliberate act" of assessment. The Spinozan hypothesis does not allow for this state.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The Cartesian hypothesis, unlike the Spinozan one, allows for the existence of understood propositions that are held in a neutral state of judgment.