Rizal Technological University

Boni Avenue, City of Mandaluyong

GRADUATE SCHOOL

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

Rene’ Descartes Philosophy

René Descartes (1596–1650) was a creative

mathematician of the first order, an important scientific
thinker, and an original metaphysician. During the course
of his life, he was a mathematician first, a natural scientist
or “natural philosopher” second, and a metaphysician third.
In mathematics, he developed the techniques that made
possible algebraic (or “analytic”) geometry. In natural
philosophy, he can be credited with several specific
achievements: co-framer of the sine law of refraction,
developer of an important empirical account of the rainbow,
and proposer of a naturalistic account of the formation of
the earth and planets (a precursor to the nebular
hypothesis). More importantly, he offered a new vision of the natural world that continues
to shape our thought today: a world of matter possessing a few fundamental properties
and interacting according to a few universal laws. This natural world included an
immaterial mind that, in human beings, was directly related to the brain; in this way,
Descartes formulated the modern version of the mind–body problem. In metaphysics, he
provided arguments for the existence of God, to show that the essence of matter is
extension, and that the essence of mind is thought. Descartes claimed early on to possess
a special method, which was variously exhibited in mathematics, natural philosophy, and
metaphysics, and which, in the latter part of his life, included, or was supplemented by, a
method of doubt.
Descartes presented his results in major works published during his lifetime: the
Discourse on the Method (in French, 1637), with its essays, the Dioptrics, Meteorology,
and Geometry; the Meditations on First Philosophy (i.e., on metaphysics), with its
Objections and Replies (in Latin, 1641, 2nd edn. 1642); the Principles of Philosophy,
covering his metaphysics and much of his natural philosophy (in Latin, 1644); and the
 Rizal Technological University
Boni Avenue, City of Mandaluyong

GRADUATE SCHOOL

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

Passions of the Soul, on the emotions (in French, 1649). Important works published
posthumously included his Letters (in Latin and French, 1657–67); World, or Treatise on
Light, containing the core of his natural philosophy (in French, 1664); Treatise on Man (in
French, 1664), containing his physiology and mechanistic psychology; and the Rules for
the Direction of the Mind (in Latin, 1701), an early, unfinished work attempting to set out
his method.
Descartes was known among the learned in his day as a top mathematician, as
the developer of a new and comprehensive physics or theory of nature (including living
things), and as the proposer of a new metaphysics. In the years following his death, his
natural philosophy was widely taught and discussed. In the eighteenth century aspects of
his science remained influential, especially his physiology, as did his project of
investigating the knower in assessing the possibility and extent of human knowledge; he
was also remembered for his failed metaphysics and his use of skeptical arguments for
doubting. In the nineteenth century he was revered for his mechanistic physiology and
theory that animal bodies are machines (that is, are constituted by material mechanisms,
governed by the laws of matter alone). The twentieth century variously celebrated his
famous “cogito” starting point, reviled the sense data that some alleged to be the legacy
of his skeptical starting point, and looked to him as a model of the culturally engaged
philosopher. He has been seen, at various times, as a hero and as a villain; as a brilliant
theorist who set new directions in thought, and as the harbinger of a cold, rationalistic,
and calculative conception of human beings. Those new to the study of Descartes should
engage his own works in some detail prior to developing a view of his legacy.

Philosophy

Rene Descartes' philosophy has left an indelible mark on the realm of Western
thought and continues to be a source of fascination and contemplation. At the heart of
Descartes' philosophical method lies a relentless pursuit of truth, a journey that begins
with radical skepticism and ultimately culminates in his famous maxim, "Cogito, ergo sum"
(I think, therefore I am). Descartes' commitment to doubt everything that could be
doubted, even the existence of an external world and the trustworthiness of our senses,
challenged the very foundations of knowledge. Through this process of radical doubt,
 Rizal Technological University
Boni Avenue, City of Mandaluyong

GRADUATE SCHOOL

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

Descartes sought a solid and certain foundation upon which to build a new edifice of
knowledge.
While some may argue that Descartes' approach was overly skeptical and led to
solipsism, it cannot be denied that his emphasis on the power of human reason and the
importance of rational inquiry laid the groundwork for the Enlightenment and the scientific
revolution that followed. By recognizing the inherent potential of the human mind,
Descartes paved the way for a new era of intellectual exploration and discovery.
Moreover, his dualistic theory of mind and matter, with the mind as a thinking substance
distinct from the material body, shaped subsequent debates in philosophy of mind and
laid the groundwork for the mind-body problem.
However, Descartes' philosophy is not without its criticisms. The mind-body
dualism he proposed has been heavily scrutinized, as it raises questions about the nature
of the relationship between the immaterial mind and the physical body, leading to debates
about the possibility of interaction between the two. Additionally, his reliance on clear and
distinct ideas as criteria for truth has been questioned, as not all truths may be accessible
through this method, especially in areas beyond pure mathematics and logic. Descartes'
lasting influence extends beyond the realm of philosophy and permeates various
disciplines, including science and mathematics. His method of systematic doubt and
reliance on clear and distinct ideas as a criterion for truth became a blueprint for scientific
inquiry. This emphasis on rigorous analysis and skepticism laid the foundation for the
scientific method, which has been the cornerstone of empirical investigation and
discovery ever since.
Moreover, Descartes' quest for certainty in knowledge opened up new avenues for
the development of rationalism as a philosophical school of thought. Rationalism asserts
that reason is the primary source of knowledge, and Descartes' own emphasis on the
power of human reason exemplified this idea. Rationalism became a counterbalance to
empiricism, which places more emphasis on sensory experience as the basis of
knowledge.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Descartes' philosophy is his attempt to bridge
the gap between the realms of mind and matter through his theory of interactionism. While
this theory has faced its share of challenges, it sparked lively debates and investigations
into the nature of consciousness and the relationship between mental and physical
 Rizal Technological University
Boni Avenue, City of Mandaluyong

GRADUATE SCHOOL

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

phenomena. Contemporary philosophers and scientists continue to grapple with these

questions, drawing inspiration from Descartes' attempts to understand the intricacies of
the mind-body connection.
Despite the advancements in science and philosophy since Descartes' time, his
works remain relevant and continue to provoke contemporary thinkers. His emphasis on
the autonomy of the mind and the power of reason reminds us of the significance of critical
thinking and the potential for self-discovery. Descartes' legacy also prompts us to reflect
on the nature of knowledge and the limits of human understanding, encouraging a healthy
skepticism and humility in the face of the vast mysteries that still elude our grasp.
Descartes' philosophical reflections also had a profound impact on the
understanding of God and the nature of existence. His argument for the existence of God
in the "Meditations on First Philosophy" is a significant aspect of his philosophy. Descartes
posited the existence of a perfect and infinite being as the guarantor of truth, providing a
solid foundation for the reliability of clear and distinct ideas. While the cogency of his proof
has been the subject of debate, his exploration of the relationship between human reason
and the divine served to spark theological discussions and reflections on the nature of
faith and reason.

Furthermore, Descartes' approach to knowledge had implications for

epistemology, the study of knowledge itself. The distinction he made between the
certainty of self-awareness ("I think, therefore I am") and the fallibility of sensory
perceptions prompted inquiries into the different sources and levels of knowledge. This
distinction continues to influence debates about the reliability of different forms of
knowledge, ranging from a priori reasoning to empirical observation. Beyond the realm of
academia, Descartes' ideas have had a profound impact on the broader cultural and
intellectual landscape. Cartesian doubt and skepticism have influenced the way we
approach and question not only philosophical concepts but also societal norms, traditions,
and beliefs. His emphasis on the individual's capacity for rational inquiry and autonomy
has contributed to the development of modern individualism and the importance placed
on personal introspection and self-exploration. Moreover, Descartes' legacy can be seen
in the development of modern Western thought and its influence on the Enlightenment
period. The pursuit of reason, critical thinking, and the idea that humanity can understand
and master nature have all been rooted in Descartes' rationalist approach. The
 Rizal Technological University
Boni Avenue, City of Mandaluyong

GRADUATE SCHOOL

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

Enlightenment's intellectual fervor, with its emphasis on science, reason, and progress,
owes much to Descartes' legacy.
In essence, Rene Descartes' philosophy remains a profound and influential force
in the history of ideas. From shaping the scientific method to inspiring debates on
consciousness and the mind-body problem, his contributions have left an enduring
impact. His intellectual journey serves as a reminder of the richness and complexity of
philosophical inquiry, urging us to continue exploring the depths of human thought and
the mysteries of existence. As we engage with his ideas, we are not only engaging with
the past but also embracing a legacy that continues to challenge and inspire us to seek
truth, understanding, and wisdom in the pursuit of knowledge. Rene Descartes'
philosophy represents an important turning point in the history of Western philosophy. His
emphasis on reason, skepticism, and the foundational role of the thinking self has had a
profound and lasting impact. While some aspects of his philosophy have faced criticism,
his legacy continues to inspire and provoke intellectual inquiry, challenging us to examine
the nature of reality, knowledge, and the human mind. Descartes' intellectual journey
serves as a reminder of the significance of philosophical exploration and its capacity to
shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us