Discourse on Method by René Descartes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from Descartes' Discourse on Method, focusing on the themes and principles presented in his work.

Discourse on Method

A philosophical text by René Descartes that outlines his method for acquiring knowledge.

Method

A systematic procedure or approach used to achieve a particular goal, in this case, seeking truth.

Indubitable

Absolutely certain or not able to be doubted.

Foundations

The basic principles or groundwork upon which something is built or established.

Scientific Method

A systematic method of inquiry involving observation, experimentation, and reasoning used to acquire new knowledge.

Auto-biographical

Relating to the history of a person's life written by that person.

Clear and Distinct

A criterion for truth in Descartes' philosophy, referring to ideas that are inherently understandable and evident.

Rebuild the Contents of His Mind

Descartes' aim to reconstruct his knowledge base by getting rid of untrue beliefs and opinions.

Two Kinds of Minds

The two types of individuals Descartes identifies: those who are hasty and overconfident in judgment, and those who are aware of their limitations.

Four Rules of Descartes

Guidelines proposed by Descartes in his method for seeking knowledge: 1) Accept only what is certainly true, 2) Divide issues into smaller parts, 3) Proceed in an orderly fashion, 4) Review and number investigations.