Discourse on the Method of Rightly Conducting the Reason, and Seeking Truth in the Sciences
Descartes describes his philosophical method for discovering truth through reason and systematic doubt. He expounds his principles of clear thinking, establishes the existence of God and the soul, explores physical science and the nature of man, and explains why he has chosen not to publish his complete treatise on physics during his lifetime.
Divisions
- Part I0 / 5
Descartes describes his education, his doubts about traditional learning, and his decision to seek truth through reason and experience.
- Part II0 / 5
Descartes presents his method of inquiry, based on four simple rules for achieving certainty and knowledge.
- Part III0 / 5
Descartes outlines his provisional code of morals consisting of three maxims to guide conduct while pursuing philosophical truth.
- Part IV0 / 4
Descartes expounds his foundational metaphysical truths: Cogito ergo sum, the nature of mind and body, and proofs of God's existence.
- Part V0 / 1
Descartes summarizes his discoveries regarding light, matter, heavenly bodies, and the human body, including the motion of the heart.
- Part VI0 / 0
Descartes explains his reasons for withholding publication of his complete treatise and presents selected specimens of his philosophical work.