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Open Philosophy LibraryDiscourse On The MethodRené Descartes

Discourse On The Method

By René Descartes

René Descartes' Discourse on the Method combines intellectual autobiography with a programme for reliable inquiry. Across six Parts, Descartes criticises inherited learning, states four methodological rules, adopts a provisional morality, develops methodic doubt and the cogito, sketches a mechanical natural philosophy, and reflects upon scientific publication. Written in French and first published in 1637, the work established major themes of modern rationalism and epistemology. This edition uses John Veitch's public-domain translation.

Translator or editor
John Veitch
Publication
1637; Veitch translation published 1850
Genre
Rationalism; epistemology; philosophy of science
Era
17th Century, Early Modern Philosophy

About this work

Published in 1637, Discourse on the Method explains René Descartes' attempt to direct reason reliably and establish secure foundations for knowledge. The first two Parts describe his dissatisfaction with inherited learning and introduce four rules: accept only what is clear, divide problems, proceed from simple to complex, and review completely. Because life must continue during radical inquiry, Part III supplies a provisional morality based upon social stability, decisiveness, self-mastery and cultivation of reason. Part IV develops methodic doubt and the famous cogito—“I think, therefore I am”—before arguing for God and the reliability of clear and distinct ideas. Part V applies the project to nature, physiology and the distinction between human beings and animals. The final Part considers experiments, useful science and publication. Together, the six Parts connect personal formation, epistemology, metaphysics, scientific method and responsibility for communicating knowledge.

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