rené descartes discourse on method and related writings

Lastly to deal with every case, make enumerations so complete and reviews so general, one will be assured that nothing will be left out.ĭescartes states that simple and easy reasoning will lead you to reach the conclusions of the most difficult and complex of problems. The third take things slow and be able to deal with more complex issues step-by-step and in order. The second to divide each difficulty into as many parts as possible to be necessary for its adequate solutions. This will avoid any bias and prejudice when you have found the truth and it is clear in your mind you will exclude all ground of doubt.

He found it best to learn things for himself and not believe to firmly anything that was convincing or just by custom, this in turn would make him fall into a trap of following others and prevent him from listening to reason.ĭescartes explains firstly that to accept anything to be of truth, always see it clearly to be as such. He found that what we thought to be extravagant and ridiculous was commonly accepted in other countries. Descartes set out to discover what the philosophers had meant by having these qualities in ones life. Having previous life experiences wether it be through travel and reading books and studying, it will allow an individual to follow their right path and do so with confidence.

Descartes argument states that we should think broadly and use our minds to our advantage.

When speaking of good sense, Descartes is talking about judging well and distinguishing truth from error, which can also be called good reason. Each individual holds these qualities and as philosophers say that its by chance that individuals have these and not by the forms or nature of the individual. He proposes that this is achieved by distinguishing between false and truth and having an open mind and being able to explore all options to discover the truth for yourself.ĭescartes argues that a more mature age enables the skill of precipitation and prejudice in judgement easier to approach, eradicating all the erroneous opinions from the mind and adding experience to be able to have good reason will allow you to succeed in life.ĭescartes says having the perfect mind is having these qualities quickness of thought, clearness and distinctness of imagination, and having fullness and reediness of memory. In Discourse on Method and Related Writings, Rene Descartes writes about establishing the principles of the philosophers by having good reason and not believing what is said without facts and truths.

René descartes discourse on method and related writings