The Discourse on Method, published in 1637 by Descartes, unfolds in an orderly manner of his reasoning behind his method, and philosophy. The Discourse touches upon the existence of God, the truth, and the notion of free will along with how individuals apply certain principles.It is important to note that The Discourse was not published right away, as being the witness of the fate of Galileo, Descartes chose to wait. Throughout the Discourse, Descartes was able to obtain some answers with certainty in regards of the metaphysics, and other scientific questions. In the prevail of being condemned like Galileo, Descartes sort of abstained himself, from the position of an instructor, especially if his method was to be defined as inadequate. By doing so, Descartes also separates himself from the omnipresence of the Church. His method, seems to be structured like a fable, and yet autobiographical.The Discourse is divided into six parts, which unfold into one another like the steps of anequation. Concisely, the first part mainly depicts his time at school, while part two and three focus on how he self-instructed himself. Part four and five consist of how he has obtained the right method for acquiring knowledge and seeking the truth. Nonetheless, within those parts, Descartes refers to continuing to elaborate on his physics, and foundations of the soul instruments. Additionally, part six, serves as conclusion, which will be revisedfew years later. Many examples are used in order to support his researches, including his preconceptions. Part six also uses the assumptions made in the previous part.
Nevertheless, the finished method is provided and founded upon principles and difficulties. Descartes finally comes to the term of publishing his work, because although a lot is known, it isn't enough, and the purpose of published his work is a way to transmit more knowledge to other individuals.The Discourse was a philosophical success whereas as in regards of the science, it was first seen as a failure. Although, his work was either appreciated or criticized, Descartes is recognized as one of the fathers of the Modern times. As a result, the Discourse can be seen as a key to the transition from the ancient world to the modern times. It was also a weapon against the preconceptions of the society of his time.It is mentioned that one should be able to find the solutions, and apply the principles to what he calls the speculative science. (p.24) The speculative sciences can represent a number of things but one thing that can be implicit is that, many embodied what could exceed the founded sciences during this era. Subsequently, in part six, Descartes implies that everyone is so full of his own wisdom that if changes in these matters could be made by people whom God hadn't set up as sovereigns over his people or to whom he has given enough grace and zeal to be prophets, we might find as many reformers as there are people.(p.24) which points out, that people tend to be blind by what they believe is true, and if there should be any changes within their deep rooted believes, it will most likely arise at the level of the one who received or acquired less powerful attributes. The passage, refers to the example of how the common population had access to God, yet remained under more restrained conditions of living than other classes. Therefore, being part of the elites was a luxury and rare, the common population being the majority, were the most apt to question, and provoke any changes.
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The existence of God, the truth, and the notion of free. (2020, Mar 23).
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