The following text discusses epistemological skepticism.
Descartes' method of radical doubt stripped away uncertain beliefs to find an indubitable foundation. The famous "cogito"—I think, therefore I am—established the thinking subject as the starting point for knowledge reconstruction. Yet this strategy faces a bootstrapping problem: having doubted everything, how can Descartes justify trusting reason itself without circular reasoning? The challenge of escaping methodological skepticism without begging the question has occupied philosophers ever since.
Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?
It describes Descartes' approach and identifies a persistent philosophical problem it raises.
It provides a complete biography of René Descartes.
It argues that Descartes successfully resolved all skeptical challenges.
It compares Descartes to other 17th-century philosophers in detail.
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The text describes Descartes' method (radical doubt, cogito) and the persistent problem (bootstrapping, circular reasoning).
- Evidence: The text describes the method: "Descartes' method of radical doubt," "cogito... established the thinking subject." It identifies the problem: "Yet this strategy faces a bootstrapping problem," "circular reasoning."
- Reasoning: The structure is Method -> Result -> Flaw.
- Conclusion: This matches "describes Descartes' approach and identifies a persistent... problem."
💡 Strategy: Identify the Method (Doubt) and the Problem (Bootstrapping).
Choice B is incorrect because biography isn't provided. Choice C is incorrect because the problem remains. Choice D is incorrect because others aren't compared.