Descartes’ Skepticism: A Path to Philosophical Inquiry
The Cartesian Method and the Pursuit of Knowledge
The Cartesian ideal of achieving “episteme,” or universal and necessary knowledge, is not likely to be satisfied. Perhaps philosophy should focus on encouraging questions in our relentless pursuit of answers. This approach has undoubtedly made possible the scientific development we see today, which itself does not seem to escape criticism in its attempt to embrace the truth. Fear seems to have prompted some, including Plato and Descartes, to combat relativism and skepticism, considering that they condemn us to apathy and intellectual laziness.
However, concluding that true knowledge does not exist or is not within our reach does not mean that we should abandon our interest in such important matters. Moreover, by abolishing the idol of certainty, we will dismantle one of the strongholds of darkness that hinders scientific progress by limiting the boldness of research and the thoroughness and honesty of our tests.
Let us not forget that what distinguishes the philosopher and the scientist is not so much a treasured wealth of knowledge as the critical and persistent pursuit of truth. For all these reasons, I believe that Descartes’ major contribution to the history of Western thought is his recommendation to practice skepticism in any study of history and philosophy. This serves as a means of avoiding any expression of bigotry and intolerance and encourages us to submit voluntarily to the dictates of reason.
The Limits of Universal Doubt
Of course, universal doubt would be insurmountable, making it impossible to find any truth. In such a case, we would be doomed to solipsism because the legitimate psychological correspondence between the order of thought and reality through God is untenable.
But the skepticism Descartes recommended, applied in moderation, is very reasonable and constitutes a necessary preparation for the study of philosophy. It preserves the fairness of our judgments and keeps our minds away from all those prejudices promoted by received education, premature opinions, or uncritical acceptance.
The Cartesian Method: A Path to Stability
The Cartesian method of starting with clear principles, proceeding with cautious and safe steps, frequently reviewing our conclusions, and carefully examining all the consequences, may not lead to absolute truths. However, it does provide a certain and necessary stability and certainty in our determinations.
A Reassessment of Cartesian Skepticism
The Cartesian ideal of achieving universal and necessary knowledge proved to be an idol with feet of clay. Perhaps philosophy should be content with encouraging, by means of questions, an incessant search for answers. This behavior has undoubtedly enabled the development of science. But even science – today seems to escape criticism – when it claims to embrace the truth.
I believe, in line with Popper, that by abolishing the idol of certainty, we will collapse one of the bulwarks of obscurantism that obstructs scientific progress. This idol worship hinders the boldness of our questions and also the rigor and integrity of our tests.
The Role of Philosophy in the Pursuit of Truth
Science has also been mistaken in its desire to be right because what distinguishes the man of science is not the possession of knowledge, of irrefutable truth, but his persistent research and critical attitude. This is the role that philosophy has played since its inception and that remains as necessary today.
Therefore, I think that Descartes’ fundamental contribution to the history of Western thought is the background skepticism of all study and philosophy. It serves as a means of avoiding hasty judgment and error, preventing us from falling into fanaticism and intolerance, and encouraging us to submit voluntarily to the dictates of reason.
Moderate Skepticism: A Balanced Approach
Of course, universal doubt is insurmountable, unable to find any truth or, at best, is a condemnation of psychological solipsism. But this skepticism, applied in moderation, is reasonable and constitutes a necessary preparation for the study of philosophy. It preserves the fairness of our judgments and keeps our minds away from all those prejudices promoted by received education, premature or uncritical views – dogmatic ones.
The Cartesian Method and the Human Condition
The Cartesian method, which recommends starting with clear principles, proceeding with cautious and safe steps, frequently reviewing our conclusions, and carefully examining all its implications, may not lead to absolute truths. However, it will provide some needed stability in our determinations. Possibly, given the human inability to reach the truth, it can truly make utopia achievable through personal achievement, the highest possible social arrangement under the sole command of reason.