Understanding Descartes' Method and the Nature of Doubt

Understanding Descartes' Method

We comment that in the Discourse on Method, Descartes seeks to establish a set of rules to achieve true knowledge without any doubt. These rules lead us unambiguously so that the truth is always rigorously applied.

Given that all we know are dubious opinions, we reject anything that is not obviously true. This means that, in the light of reason, we must show for certain what is true, in a clear and distinct manner. Therefore, only the right judgments on the truth of judgments, in any sense, are a source of error.

Breaking Down Problems

Then, we divide any problem into its simplest elements and find the truth by applying the first rule. Finally, we reconstruct the difficulty, progressing from its simpler elements to the most complex. We also review our reasoning to ensure that we do not forget anything.

The Role of Doubt

After presenting the proposed method by Descartes, in which doubt plays such an essential role, we can delve deeper into the scope of this doubt. In this sense, we must explain what it means that doubt is universal. It is not limited to knowledge by the senses, which can sometimes be misleading, but extends to the existence of reality. This includes the difficulty of distinguishing waking from sleep and even mathematics, where many people can be confused in the simplest operations.

The Certainty of Existence

Therefore, we have reached a point where we doubt everything, and nothing seems to be knowledge (true). However, one thing is certain: I am a being that thinks, and therefore I exist. Descartes has found the principle on which to build the edifice of knowledge. For though all that I think may be wrong, I cannot doubt that I think.

Doubt as a Human Imperfection

To doubt is a human imperfection, as it means that among many of our views, some may be wrong. This compels us to doubt everything. However, this is certainly different from the skeptics who find it impossible to attain knowledge; it becomes the starting point for learning.

Doubt and Perfection

The doubt, therefore, represents imperfection, while knowing represents perfection. Descartes considers it necessary to investigate where this idea of perfection present in the subject comes from. It cannot come from him, as he is imperfect and cannot be perfect. It must then be a reality outside the subject.

Discovering External Truths

We note that Descartes, once he discovers this, moves out of solipsism and finds another truth outside himself. This substance external to the subject and perfect can only be God. Later, Descartes eventually shows that corporeal things, the world, also exist.

Conclusion

Finally, we conclude with the notion of substances.