Descartes' Method: Maxims and Proofs for God's Existence

Context and Purpose of Descartes' Discourse

The work, *Discourse on the Method*, is undoubtedly a reflection of the time in which René Descartes lived. In a period of crisis—economic, political, and socio-cultural—the author sought a benchmark in mathematics, inspired by the progress achieved by the standard bearers of the new science. Desolate by the state of philosophy, he attempted to devise a method, inspired by that of the geometer, to provide philosophy with the rigor that its discourse lacked. Although this work was cut off, destined to form part of a broader treatise, it remains one of the great manifestos of humanity.

Publication Context of the Discourse on the Method

The *Discourse on the Method* is the first work published by Descartes, yet it is a mature work. In fact, and although it is considered an independent text, it serves as the prologue to three shorter scientific treatises. The full work, *The World*, was not published in his day for fear of religious persecution.

Descartes' Provisional Moral Maxims

Descartes established four provisional moral maxims to govern his actions while he sought absolute truth:

1. To conform to the rules and customs of the place where one lives, and where there were none, to imitate the actions of the most sensible people.
2. Even if we take time to make decisions that affect morality and are not absolutely sure they are correct, once decided, we must stand firm on them.
3. We must be able to distinguish between what is under our control and what is beyond it. Once this is done, we must learn to be content with what we possess and accept chance.
4. Among all human occupations, the best is the search for truth, which leads to goodness and happiness (reflecting Socrates' moral intellectualism).

Arguments for the Existence of God

Descartes achieved the first clear and distinct truth: the existence of a rational soul (*Cogito*). From there, he attempts to demonstrate that something exists beyond that spiritual subject. He affirms that ideas are a reflection of an external reality that shapes their content. Focusing on unique innate ideas that do not depend on the senses, he attempts to show that something external must have inspired them—that something is God.

The Cartesian Arguments

Descartes presents three primary arguments:

1. Causality Argument Applied to the Idea of Infinity: According to the Cartesian theory of ideas, the objective reality of an idea depends on its cause. Since we possess the innate idea of infinity, and since we cannot physically grasp it nor can it originate from a finite being (myself), there must be something infinite outside of me: God.
2. Causality Argument Applied to the Idea of Perfection: The desire to be perfect exists because "something" perfect inspires this desire.
3. Ontological Argument (Adapted from St. Anselm): God is perfect, and therefore existence is necessary for Him. Otherwise, we could imagine a being that had all of God's qualities *and* also existed. This hypothetical being would be better than God. Since there can be nothing better than the perfect being, God must exist.