In chapter 3 of his "Discourse on the Method" (titled: "Morals and Maxims accepted while
conducting the Method") René Descartes is getting to
ready to dive into the rabbit hole of methodological doubt. Before he does that
he makes sure to inscribe for himself a few methodological precautions to complete
the rules described in part 2 of the book.
The first rule of
chapter 3 is to remain obedient to the law of his country and religion. It's
not that Descartes believes that these laws are necessarily true, but his
thinks that should he lose everything he knows, these will at least serve as
good guidelines to fall back on. Descartes also resolves to follow the actions
of those in his country that seam most sensible, for much the same reasons.
The second rule
Descartes devises for himself is decisiveness of action. Taking a wrong path is
better than no path at all, and making a wrong decision is better that no
decision since that latter would keep us in our place. In a sense what
Descartes is saying is that over thinking can be stagnating.
The third rule
Descartes proposes in chapter 3 of "Discourse of Method" might sound
a bit New-Age, arguing that his intent is not the change the world (on which he
has no influence) but rather to change himself and the manner in which he perceives
his world (something which in entirely up to him). This is not only modesty on
Descartes' part but also a will for autonomy and a desire not to be conditioned
by external factors. The one thing we have control over in this world is our thoughts,
and we should make sure that it stays that way.
These maxims are not
suggested by Descartes as a moral code, but rather as a way of optimizing his
method in search of certainty. Part 4 of "Discourse on the Method" will find to such certainties:
God and the Soul.
See additional summaries on Descartes' "Discourse on the Method":
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More about Descartes:
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Suggested reading on Renè Descartes:
