1. Explain what Descartes is trying to establish with his wax argument in
the Second Meditation. Be sure to discuss how this argument addresses the
paradox with which the passage starts. Is this argument really about wax?
Explain.
Descartes is trying to establish his mind more clearly through the wax. He does
not yet know what he is. He is still trying to find what "I" am he doesn't know. He
discusses the characteristics of the wax, its color, shape, smell, taste, feel, and how it
sounds. He also discusses how when he places it over fire all of these characteristics
change, yet the same wax exists. He understands the wax with his mind, and he uses his
senses to learn of its characteristics even though with the wax these characteristics
change. He understands this substance as wax; even as its characteristics change, he uses
his senses to get his information, but he uses his mind to process and understand this
information.
The......
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