Descartes in Philosophy, There Is a Theory

Descartes

In philosophy, there is a theory that holds that we humans do not know things directly, but only by their particular impressions on what we observe, or attempt to understand. In other words, all knowledge is expressed through doubt and skepticism. This idea, called Rationalism, focuses on the impressions that are made to us cognitively. Combining this with empiricism, which allows knowledge to come to us based on senses, the real critical question becomes: can human beings be certain of anything, regardless of whether we learn about it through senses or intellect, and if we can, then what is our relationship to known objects? We also must ask if we as the "learner" actually changes the knowledge based on our interference or experimentation, therefore negating the truth of that knowledge in the first place.

The fact that mathematics holds many truths for some was not lost on Rene Descartes, a French philosopher, mathematician and writer who actually spent most of his life in the Netherlands. Dubbed the "Father of Modern Philosophy," Descartes focused more that only the discovery of reasonable knowledge and eternal truths were found by reason alone. These truths, for Descartes, included the basic language of the universe for him -- mathematics, as well as the epistemological and metaphysical foundations of the sciences as a whole. Other knowledge, for example the knowledge required by utilizing one's experiences within the world, were aided by epistemological study. This evolving pursuit of truth was really the foundation for human existence -- the way humans actually arrived at humanity. Thus, Descartes deduced a sense of overall skepticism -- that any pursuit of knowledge should include a sense of doubt about every belief -- question everything and the answers will arise. Thus, one of the main contributions of Descartes to the philosophical discourse was that as a result of his method of rationalization, reason alone determines knowledge -- completely independent of other senses. That is -- we cannot know without experimenting rationally, but we must be very careful of what we think we know because it must be proven again and again since our own minds and senses are often flawed.

In fact, the method named after him, "Cartesian," focuses on mathematical proofs but adds metaphysics and self-observations on a hunt for the truth. Basically, Descartes says that mathematics begins with principles called axioms, forming the very beginnings of questioning and scientific deduction. From the deduction then flows other propositions in a finite, logical manner -- even though those deductions may change, it is the movement and flow logically that forms the basis of the Cartesian Method. In basic principle then, there are four laws of the Cartesian Method: 1) Accept nothing as true which is not absolutely clear and distinct; 2) Analyze a problem and break it into its components -- then discuss those components individually, part by part; 3) Arrange any thoughts from simple to complex, let those thoughts evolve in the organization of the mind; 4) Ensure that enumeration must be complete, in total, and nothing should be omitted -- thus the truth will then emerge (Descartes).