Descartes’ Method: A Path to Knowledge and Certainty
Part 1: The Necessary Method
The Foundation of Reason
Good sense or reason is fairly shared among men. Errors occur because thoughts differ. A good wit must apply reason well. Descartes announced a method that enabled him to know. This will not be exposed systematically, but biographically.
Early Education and Doubt
The education received as a child fostered a desire to know. Disappointment followed the completion of studies, filled with doubts and errors. One becomes aware of their ignorance.
Review of Disciplines
A value recognizes each discipline, though they have not satisfied the thirst for truth. This ignores history and facts. Rhetoric and poetry are not natural gifts, according to Furtado, from study. Mathematics provides certainty and evidence but had not yet realized its true function. Writings on customs do not give sufficient knowledge of virtue. Excedeal analysis revealed theology of our reasoning. In philosophy, everything is in dispute. Other sciences, such as physics, are dubious. There is contempt for astrology and alchemy magic.
Abandonment of Books
The book is dedicated to the great world, cutting dedication to travel and meeting people. It treats two armies, collects experiences, and reflects on them. You get more profit by reflecting on what happens to self, as they pay the price for having misjudged. It seeks not only to intrude on science but also to see clearly in actions and walk with confidence in this life. It shows that there is much diversity in customs and opinions, leading to not being considered ridiculous by any custom, which is also strange not to believe anything for sure, everything that has been persuaded by custom and example, and take the resolution to analyze everything according to my right.
Questions and Opinions
Discards notes that the simple observation of habits and opinions releases certain prejudices but gives no certainty to knowledge. Only through personal reflection for the opinion of reason can we come to certain knowledge and obvious difference between Descartes and the Stoics. Descartes does not share this ideal of stoic insensitivity to delete the passions and achieve a state of indifference to all which arises.
Part 2: Reasons for the Method
Revising and Reforming Thoughts
Descartes continues with efforts to revise and reform their thoughts. He asserts the unification of the sciences into a system through the use of a single method. Analogies are made with shoddy buildings if they are works of many sciences. They are also composed of the views of many. Besides, from childhood, we have instilled prejudice and have been guided by tutors and guides with bad appetites. There is a need to build, with the exception of public affairs whose demolition is dangerous. Descartes is therefore confined to reform themselves views, and even that is recommended by everyone to some hasty and disorderly to be more modest because others must comply with following the opinions of those wiser than. It is the diversity of opinions that leads him to doubt them, and remove, but must be done with circumspection, avoiding precipitation and criticism.
Method and Prevention
The syllogistic logic and algebra to the analysis of the old. The 4 rules of method: rule of evidence accepted as true but not obvious; divide rule analysis the issues necessary parties; rule of orderly conduct deduction thoughts from the simple to the complex; regulation of the enumeration review chains of reasons to be sure not to have given false steps. The model of this method have provided demonstrations geometric. Should therefore begin by mathematics and general science understood the extent you provide and not as applied mathematics. The spirit of mathematics tend to think more clearly and distinctly. Need to apply this method to all sciences.