Part III
Descartes outlines his provisional code of morals consisting of three maxims to guide conduct while pursuing philosophical truth.
5 argumentative units
- 01Need for a provisional code of morals
Descartes explains that suspending all judgments while rebuilding beliefs requires some practical rules to live by, so he forms a provisional code of morals of three or four maxims.
- 02First maxim: obey laws and customs, follow moderate opinions
The first maxim is to obey the laws and customs of one's country, adhere to one's faith, and follow the most moderate opinions of the most judicious people around oneself.
- 03Second maxim: be firm and resolute in action
The second maxim is to be resolute and decisive in action once a course is chosen, like a traveler in a forest who keeps to one direction rather than wandering indecisively.
- 04Third maxim: conquer oneself rather than fortune
The third maxim is to change one's desires rather than the order of the world, accepting that only our thoughts are truly in our power, which produces contentment.
- 05Fourth maxim and benefit of all maxims
Descartes' fourth maxim is to devote his life to cultivating reason and knowledge. He reflects that these maxims together brought contentment and supported the whole work of self-instruction.