Descartes' Philosophy: Reason, Passions, and Provisional Morality
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Descartes' Ethics: Actions and Passions
Descartes distinguishes between actions and passions. Actions are the decisions and behaviors that depend on the will. Passions, however, are involuntary, depending on the body and the vital spirits (as described by Galen in medicine). They encompass feelings, emotions, and perceptions that are intrinsically linked to the body.
The Nature of Passions
Being dependent on the body, passions can exaggerate good and evil, making some things appear more desirable or difficult to obtain than they truly are. The soul's passions can exert pressure in opposing directions, sometimes leading towards good, and sometimes pulling one away from it.
Reason's Role in Governing Passions
Reason must govern human life and conduct, subjecting the passions. A strong spirit dominates passions, while a weak one is left dominated by them. In the face of passions, individuals must be guided by reason and experience, maintaining their own will. This self-control is exercised through prudence, through which one imposes the rule of reason over the passions.
Descartes' Provisional Morality
In Discourse on Method, Descartes presents a broad outline of his morality under the modest title of 'interim moral' or 'provisional morality.' Though never fully developed, it serves as his general conception of morality.
The Four Maxims of the Interim Moral
The first maxim states that one must obey the laws and customs of their country, including adhering to traditional religion and following the most moderate and respected opinions.
The second maxim advises acting with decision once a choice is made, even if initial doubts or hesitations were present.
The third maxim, consistent with Stoic thought, advises overcoming oneself rather than fighting against fortune, and changing one's own desires rather than the order of the world.
The fourth maxim suggests reviewing all possible occupations to choose the best one, specifically that which allows one to dedicate life to the cultivation of reason and the pursuit of truth.
Individuals should be governed by reason, focusing on what is within their control and disregarding what is beyond it—an attitude akin to that of the Stoics.