Descartes' Philosophy: A Method for Truth

Dissatisfaction with Traditional Teachings

Descartes expressed dissatisfaction with the teachings at La Flèche, including scholastic philosophy and Aristotelian science. He sought a more solid foundation for philosophy, a criterion to distinguish true knowledge from falsehood. This criterion, he believed, could be found in non-traditional thinking, specifically the mathematical model of analytical geometry.

Analytical Geometry

Descartes believed that if algebra could solve geometric problems, a general method could be found to solve problems in any science. One of his philosophical objectives was to find this universal method for attaining truth.

The Tree of Philosophy

Descartes saw no distinction between scientific and philosophical knowledge, as both are based on reason. Knowledge, for him, was not a messy collection of information, but a structured system of logically connected truths.

The Cartesian Method

The Cartesian method is crucial for discovering truth. By following its rules, one ensures the attainment of true knowledge and avoids mistaking falsehood for truth.

1. Intuition

Intuition is an intellectual vision that completely grasps a question, leaving no room for doubt. It is self-based and independent of other knowledge.

2. Deduction

Deduction derives knowledge from another piece of knowledge whose truth is already established. The premises are known through intuition.

Rules of the Method

First Rule: Evidence

A proposition is evident if it is clearly and distinctly true. Evidence is the opposite of falsehood and doubt.

Second Rule: Analysis

Decompose complex problems into their simplest elements, the "simple natures," from which more complex knowledge derives.

Third Rule: Synthesis

Starting from simple and easily understood objects, ascend gradually to the knowledge of complex objects. The mind follows the remaining elements with the same certainty as the simplest ones.

Fourth Rule: Enumeration

Perform complete counts and reviews to ensure nothing is omitted. This rule regulates and verifies the previous three.