rene descartes discourse on method summary

The first half of the book, divided into the first three sections, is comprised of Descartes’ intellectual background and the origins of his method, as well as the range of his education and experiences abroad.

The latter sections, when accounted together with the general apologetic tone of this work, suggests that a more fitting title would have been “Discourse on and Defense of the Method”, with the latter being the most disappointing aspect of his work. Unfortunately, once Descartes discovers this truth, (“I think, therefore I am”), he abandons his doubting methodology almost entirely, the remainder of the book being devoted to religion, morality, the intellectual superiority of men, Aristolean thought, a lengthy explanation of his understanding of the human heart, and finally, a defense of his views and his reasons for promulgating them. This text, published in 1637, is one of the founding works of modern philosophy where the famous formula 'I think, therefore I am' is found.Rene’ Descartes’ “Discourse on the Method” is one of the most difficult books for me to review, in that it is half inspiring to me, and half disappointing what starts out as a brilliant doubting methodology, eliminating whatever can be doubted until there is nothing left than can be by any conjecture or hypothesis be reasonably doubted- arrive at a basic, fundamental truth, providing a firm rational foundation from other truths can be derived. This is what Descartes explains in the Discourse of the Method.

Yet this renewal is not just any old way: it requires method, order and the use of your reason. By reforming your mind and building a solid foundation, you allow knowledge to rise to the highest degree of certainty. To do this, you must reject your prejudices and what your education has taught you. *In order to emerge from uncertainty, from the debate of opinions and to access the truth, we must give the human spirit its place in knowledge. *You will also discover : the tremendous power of human reason why if 'I' think, I necessarily exist the demonstration of the existence of God and the soul that science is based on a metaphysical certainty what role technology must play in progress. *By reading this summary, you will discover the method to be used to advance in the search for truth.

It allows you to have the essential ideas of a big book in less than 30 minutes. * Our summary is short, simple and pragmatic.

Rene descartes discourse on method summary