9
QuizMultiple Choice

Unit 6: The Rise of Modern Western Philosophy

Question 9 • Philosophy: The Big Picture

Which statement BEST explains Descartes’ relationship with the Catholic Church?

Answer
A
He was not sure if God existed and often questioned his faith.
B
He feared the Church and did not publish work to avoid prosecution.
C
Like Luther, he hoped to separate himself from the Catholic Church.
D
He denied that there was a God and tried to undermine the Catholic Church.

Explanation

Descartes was a Catholic who generally avoided directly challenging Church teachings. After Galileo was condemned, Descartes held back a work that supported ideas associated with heliocentrism, because he feared conflict with Church authorities. He did publish other works, so choice B is best understood as referring to his caution about publishing controversial ideas, not as saying he never published anything.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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