Notes on René Descartes and Modern Philosophy

Introduction to René Descartes

• Significant figure transitioning from the Middle Ages to modernity.
• Known as the father of modern philosophy.
• Themes related to self and rationality are crucial for understanding modern identity.
• Died in 1650; originally from France.
• Wrote in both Latin and French, marking a move towards local vernacular in scholarship.

Descartes' Influences

• One of the most influential philosophers; appears in everyone's top 10 philosophers.
• Also significant in mathematics; credited with the Cartesian coordinate system (x-y axis).

Approach to Philosophy

• Descartes’ methodology is as important as his conclusions.
• Comparison to Socrates:
  • Socratic method involves dialogue and public discourse.
  • Descartes emphasizes solitude and meditation in his philosophical practice.
• Descartes' health issues impacted his life and work, suffering from a respiratory disorder.

Philosophical Methodology

General Philosophy

• Descartes seeks a foundation for philosophy that provides certainty, contrasting with the inconsistencies in previous philosophical works.
• He is motivated by the success of the scientific method, aiming for reliability and repeatability in philosophy.

Four Rules of Method

1. Clarity and Distinctness: Something must be so clear and distinct that it cannot be doubted.
2. Simple to Complex: Start with simple ideas and build to complex ones.
3. Easy to Difficult: Begin with easy questions and progress to difficult ones.
4. Complete and Detailed Rules: Construct detailed methodologies to govern thought.

Meditations on First Philosophy

• Descartes’ Meditations begins with a radical doubt, aiming to demolish all previous beliefs.
• Influenced by his Christian faith, he feels a duty to address significant philosophical questions.

Meditation One: Doubt and Certainty

• Recognizes that many of his beliefs were built on false premises derived from senses.
• Concludes that since the senses can be deceptive, he must refrain from believing anything uncertain.
• Introduces the notion of the evil deceiver challenging the reliability of both senses and reason.

Key Philosophical Queries

• Questions the reliability of whether he is awake or dreaming.
• Considers the possibility of being manipulated by an evil deity, affecting all beliefs, including basic truths in mathematics.

Conclusion

• Descartes’ work sets a foundational approach for modern philosophy, emphasizing doubt, reason, and individual thought.
• His quest for certainty remains a monumental aspect of philosophical inquiry.