TED-Ed: How do you know you exist? - James Zucker

The video explores the philosophical question of existence, inspired by René Descartes' 'Meditations on First Philosophy.' It discusses the reliability of sensory perceptions, the nature of dreams, and the possibility of an evil genius deceiving us about reality. Ultimately, it concludes with Descartes' assertion 'I think, therefore I am,' affirming the existence of a thinking being.

What philosophical question does Descartes attempt to answer in his 'Meditations on First Philosophy'?

• The nature of time

• The origin of the universe

• The existence of God

• The certainty of one's own existence

According to the video, what can sometimes deceive us, leading to mistaken perceptions?

• Our emotions

• Our senses

• Our logic

• Our memories

What does Descartes suggest might be responsible for deceiving us into believing in a false reality?

• A benevolent angel

• A mischievous child

• An evil genius

• A wise philosopher

What is the main challenge in proving that we are not dreaming, according to the video?

• Dreams are always illogical

• Dreams are always forgotten

• Dreams are indistinguishable from reality when experienced

• Dreams never involve familiar people

What famous conclusion does Descartes reach about existence?

• I dream, therefore I am

• I think, therefore I am

• I see, therefore I am

• I feel, therefore I am