Mathematician, physicist and philosopher, author of “Method Discourse” and “Metaphysical Meditations”, Descartes developed a new method of knowledge based on reason, the only one capable of allowing man to achieve perfect knowledge of the highest truths. The famous «Cogito ergo sum” (I think, therefore I am!) makes thought the principle of existence.
Having carried out his classical studies with the Jesuits of La Fléche, Descartes soon became interested in mathematics as if they were the cause of the certainty and evidence of his reasons. The system he created is marked by rigor. In the preface to Principles of Philosophy, he defines knowledge (Philosophy) similar to a tree. The roots are constituted by Metaphysics, indicating that all knowledge in the system is based on the existence of God, considered as the revealer and creator of truths. It is, therefore, from God that man must deduce the indispensable rules for understanding the world. From this perspective, Physics is the application of this conception of knowledge, forming the trunk of the tree. And, finally, the branches are made up of other sciences (Medicine, Mechanics) and morals, which emerge as the results of research, on which Descartes himself outlines major treatises.
The Cartesian method resulting from this conception takes as its starting point the solution of “tabula rasa” which consists of denying all existence, all data. But denying in itself presupposes the existence of a thought, since it is necessary to think to deny, thus evidencing the existence of a reason. This reason is likely to know the truth, because God exists, having at the same time created the world and the tool necessary to know it. That tool is the human spirit.
But man is fallible and to use the method correctly it is necessary to use some common principles. Are they:
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– Knowing that common sense is the most shared thing in the world, as a power to judge well and distinguish the true from the false. This is what we call common sense or Reason and which is the same in all men;
– Need for a method: it is not enough to have a good spirit, but the main thing is to apply it well. Great souls are capable of the greatest vices as well as the greatest virtues;
– Intellectual probity: never accept something as true without having evidently known it, that is, avoiding precipitation and prevention;
– Political loyalty and moderation: the first rule is to obey the laws and customs of my country, constantly observing the religion in which God gave man the grace to be instructed since childhood, and must govern himself by following the most moderate and distant opinions of the excesses;
– Stoic acceptance of the world: always taking care to overcome yourself instead of wanting to change others;
– Primacy of thought and limit of skepticism: noting that the Cogito it is so firm and sure that no extravagant supposition of the skeptics would be able to weaken it, it must be held by the first principle of Philosophy.
Thus, by understanding reality in an evident and, therefore, rational, thoughtful way, we can use the principles of the philosophical method in order to preserve our health, manage business better and also become better ourselves, moving away from superstition and presumption without thereby falling into absolute skepticism. God is, ultimately, the truth that guarantees the subject the power to know.
By João Francisco P. Cabral
Collaborator
Graduated in Philosophy from the Federal University of Uberlândia – UFU
Master’s student in Philosophy at the State University of Campinas – UNICAMP