An Introduction to Analytic Philosophy by Franceschi Paul

Author:Franceschi, Paul [Franceschi, Paul]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2013-03-19T00:00:00+00:00

Descartes' Dreaming argument has given rise to several contemporary variations. One of these modern variations rests on the idea that we are “brains in a vat.” The film Matrix, by Larry and Andy Wachowski, also develops a variation of this idea.

An objection to the Dreaming argument was raised by Barry Stroud, in a book published in 1989. According to this objection, premise (4) is false, because it is quite possible to carry out a test to determine whether each of us is or is not in a dream state. By using sensors that determine whether brain waves characteristic of the dream state are produced by the brain, we can determine whether or not a person dreams, and thus provide a definitive and reliable answer to this question. However, this objection has failed to convince many authors, who have argued that such a response presupposes that you are not dreaming when you perform the test. Under this assumption, the fact of carrying out a test proves indeed successful. But suppose on the contrary that we are in a dream state when we perform the test. In this case, the test is part of our dream and we cannot validly rely on it trustfully. Thus, the idea underlying this objection presupposes ultimately that we are not dreaming, whereas it is this very question which is at hand here.

Another type of objection may also be raised against the Dreaming argument. Suppose that this last argument is perfectly valid and that its conclusion is irrefutable. In this case, we then have compelling evidence that we are in a dream state. But if this were the case, would it not follow that the Dreaming argument itself is a pure product of our dreams, and therefore something illusory? Thus, in no case could it be an argument on which we could base our knowledge. As we see it, such a property has the effect of rendering the Dreaming argument self-refuting.

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