Article #59-1 | Gutenberg Articles

Excerpt

Excerpt from Discourse on the Method of Rightly Conducting One's Reason and of Seeking Truth in the Sciences, by René Descartes

If this Discourse appear too long to be read at once, it may be divided
into six Parts: and, in the first, will be found various considerations
touching the Sciences; in the second, the principal rules of the Method
which the Author has discovered, in the third, certain of the rules of
Morals which he has deduced from this Method; in the fourth, the
reasonings by which he establishes the existence of God and of the
Human Soul, which are the foundations of his Metaphysic; in the fifth,
the order of the Physical questions which he has investigated, and, in
particular, the explication of the motion of the heart and of some
other difficulties pertaining to Medicine, as also the difference
between the soul of man and that of the brutes; and, in the last, what
the Author believes to be required in order to greater advancement in
the investigation of Nature than has yet been made, with the reasons
that have induced him to write.

PART I

Good sense is, of all things among men, the most equally distributed;
for every one thinks himself so abundantly provided with it, that those
even who are the most difficult to satisfy in everything else, do not
usually desire a larger measure of this quality than they already
possess. And in this it is not likely that all are mistaken the
conviction is rather to be held as testifying that the power of judging
aright and of distinguishing truth from error, which is properly what
is called good sense or reason, is by nature equal in all men; and that
the diversity of our opinions, consequently, does not arise from some
being endowed with a larger share of reason than others, but solely
from this, that we conduct our thoughts along different ways, and do
not fix our attention on the same objects. For to be possessed of a
vigorous mind is not enough; the prime requisite is rightly to apply
it. The greatest minds, as they are capable of the highest excellences,
are open likewise to the greatest aberrations; and those who travel
very slowly may yet make far greater progress, provided they keep
always to the straight road, than those who, while they run, forsake
it.

Explanation

Detailed Explanation of the Excerpt from Discourse on the Method

1. Context of the Work

René Descartes’ Discourse on the Method of Rightly Conducting One’s Reason and of Seeking Truth in the Sciences (1637) is a foundational text in modern philosophy and the scientific method. Written in French (rather than the scholarly Latin of the time) to reach a broader audience, it serves as both an intellectual autobiography and a manifesto for Descartes’ rationalist approach to knowledge. The work is structured into six parts, as outlined in the excerpt, covering epistemology (theory of knowledge), metaphysics, ethics, physics, and methodology.

The Discourse was published alongside three scientific essays (Dioptrics, Meteors, and Geometry), demonstrating Descartes’ belief that his method could revolutionize both philosophy and science. The excerpt provided comes from Part I, where Descartes introduces his philosophical project by critiquing traditional learning and asserting the universality of human reason.

2. Themes in the Excerpt

The passage explores several key themes:

A. The Universality of Reason ("Good Sense")

Descartes begins with a bold claim:

"Good sense is, of all things among men, the most equally distributed; for every one thinks himself so abundantly provided with it..."

"Good sense" (bon sens) refers to the innate human capacity for rational judgment—the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood.
Descartes argues that reason is uniformly distributed among all people, regardless of education or intelligence. This is a radical idea in an era where knowledge was often seen as the domain of elites (e.g., clergy, aristocrats, or scholars).
The universality of reason implies that truth is accessible to anyone who uses their mind correctly, not just to those with formal training.

B. The Problem of Divergent Opinions

If reason is universal, why do people disagree? Descartes explains:

"...the diversity of our opinions... does not arise from some being endowed with a larger share of reason than others, but solely from this, that we conduct our thoughts along different ways, and do not fix our attention on the same objects."

Disagreements stem not from unequal intelligence but from differences in method and focus.
This sets up Descartes’ later argument: a proper method of reasoning (which he will outline in Part II) can eliminate confusion and lead to certain knowledge.

C. The Paradox of Intellectual Ability

Descartes introduces a counterintuitive idea:

"The greatest minds... are open likewise to the greatest aberrations; and those who travel very slowly may yet make far greater progress..."

Brilliance without discipline is dangerous: Highly intelligent people can make bigger mistakes if they lack a structured approach.
Slow, methodical thinking is superior to hasty genius: A person of average intelligence who follows a rigorous method will achieve more than a genius who relies on intuition alone.
This reflects Descartes’ distrust of tradition and authority—he believes that even the smartest scholars can err if they don’t apply reason systematically.

3. Literary and Rhetorical Devices

Descartes employs several stylistic and persuasive techniques:

A. Apophasis (False Modesty)

"If this Discourse appear too long to be read at once, it may be divided into six Parts..."

Descartes pretends to accommodate the reader’s potential fatigue, but in reality, he is structuring his argument carefully to build credibility.
This also serves as a roadmap, making his complex ideas more digestible.

B. Universal Generalization

"Good sense is, of all things among men, the most equally distributed..."

Descartes makes a sweeping claim to establish common ground with the reader.
By asserting that everyone has equal reasoning capacity, he positions his method as democratic and inclusive, not elitist.

C. Antithesis (Contrast for Emphasis)

"The greatest minds... are open likewise to the greatest aberrations; and those who travel very slowly may yet make far greater progress..."

The juxtaposition of "greatest minds" and "greatest aberrations" highlights the danger of unchecked intelligence.
The contrast between "travel very slowly" and "make far greater progress" reinforces his argument for methodical reasoning over speed.

D. Metaphor (The "Straight Road")

"...than those who, while they run, forsake it [the straight road]."

The "straight road" symbolizes logical, step-by-step reasoning (later formalized in his Rules for the Direction of the Mind).
Those who "run" (act hastily or rely on intuition) deviate from truth, while those who proceed carefully reach their destination.

4. Philosophical Significance

This excerpt lays the groundwork for Descartes’ epistemological revolution:

A. Rejection of Scholasticism

Descartes challenges medieval scholasticism, which relied on authority (e.g., Aristotle, the Church) rather than individual reason.
His claim that all humans have equal reasoning capacity undermines the idea that truth is only accessible to a learned few.

B. Foundation for the Scientific Method

The passage foreshadows Descartes’ four rules of method (detailed in Part II):
1. Accept only what is clearly and distinctly true (avoid prejudice).
2. Divide problems into manageable parts (systematic analysis).
3. Proceed from simple to complex (logical order).
4. Review thoroughly to ensure nothing is omitted (comprehensiveness).
His emphasis on method over innate genius becomes a cornerstone of modern scientific inquiry.

C. The Mind-Body Dualism Foreshadowing

While not explicit here, Descartes’ later distinction between human reason (soul) and animal instinct (mentioned in Part V) is hinted at in his faith in human judgment.
His argument that reason is unique to humans (unlike brute animals) will later support his dualist metaphysics (mind and body as separate substances).

D. Ethical Implications

If reason is universal, then moral and scientific truths should be accessible to all—a radical idea that influences Enlightenment thought (e.g., Kant’s sapere aude—"dare to know").
However, Descartes’ elitism sneaks in: while reason is universal, few apply it correctly, implying that most people are misguided by poor methods.

5. Potential Criticisms & Counterarguments

Descartes’ claims are not without controversy:

A. Is Reason Really Universally Distributed?

Modern cognitive science suggests that reasoning abilities vary due to education, culture, and neurobiology.
Descartes ignores social and psychological barriers (e.g., bias, emotion, propaganda) that affect judgment.

B. The Problem of the "Straight Road"

Descartes assumes there is one correct method for truth, but postmodernism later argues that knowledge is context-dependent.
His rationalism is later challenged by empiricists (e.g., Locke, Hume), who argue that experience, not pure reason, is the source of knowledge.

C. The Paradox of Descartes’ Own Authority

While Descartes rejects authority, he positions himself as the new authority on proper reasoning.
His method, though presented as universal, is highly abstract and mathematical, excluding those without formal training.

6. Conclusion: Why This Passage Matters

This excerpt is more than an introduction—it is a declaration of intellectual independence. Descartes:

Democratizes reason by claiming it is equally shared by all.
Critiques traditional learning by showing that even the smartest can err without method.
Lays the foundation for modern philosophy and science by prioritizing systematic doubt and logical progression over dogma.

His ideas shape the Enlightenment, influencing thinkers like Spinoza, Leibniz, and Kant, and his methodological skepticism becomes a model for scientific inquiry. However, his overconfidence in pure reason also sets up later debates about the limits of human knowledge (e.g., in Hume, Nietzsche, and postmodernism).

In essence, this passage is Descartes’ call to arms: Stop relying on others—think for yourself, but do so carefully.

Questions

Question 1

The passage’s assertion that "good sense is, of all things among men, the most equally distributed" primarily serves which of the following rhetorical functions in Descartes’ broader argument?

A. To establish a foundational premise that legitimizes his subsequent emphasis on method over innate intellectual capacity
B. To undermine the authority of contemporary scholars by implying their reasoning is no more valid than that of laypeople
C. To introduce a paradox that highlights the irrationality of human nature despite its capacity for reason
D. To justify his decision to write in French rather than Latin by appealing to a non-specialist audience
E. To critique the educational systems of his time by suggesting they fail to cultivate an already universal faculty

Question 2

When Descartes states that "the greatest minds... are open likewise to the greatest aberrations," he is most directly engaging with which of the following philosophical tensions?

A. The relationship between intellectual potential and the necessity of disciplined methodology
B. The conflict between empirical observation and abstract reasoning as paths to truth
C. The distinction between innate ideas and those acquired through experience
D. The incompatibility of human reason with divine revelation in metaphysical inquiries
E. The ethical responsibility of scholars to guide less capable minds toward truth

Question 3

The metaphor of the "straight road" in the passage functions primarily to:

A. Illustrate the moral virtues of perseverance and humility in intellectual pursuits
B. Contrast the certainty of mathematical reasoning with the ambiguity of metaphysical speculation
C. Suggest that truth is a fixed destination rather than a dynamic process of inquiry
D. Emphasize the importance of systematic, step-by-step reasoning over intuitive or hasty approaches
E. Imply that deviations from traditional scholarly methods inevitably lead to error

Question 4

Descartes’ claim that "the diversity of our opinions... does not arise from some being endowed with a larger share of reason than others" is most vulnerable to which of the following critiques?

A. It ignores the role of emotional and psychological biases in shaping human judgment
B. It presupposes that all individuals have equal access to the tools and conditions necessary to exercise reason effectively
C. It conflates the capacity for reason with the ability to apply it consistently in complex real-world scenarios
D. It dismisses the possibility that some individuals may possess inherently superior cognitive architectures
E. It assumes that reason is the sole determinant of opinion formation, neglecting the influence of cultural and social contexts

Question 5

The passage’s structure—beginning with a claim about the universal distribution of reason and ending with the analogy of the "straight road"—is most effectively described as:

A. A deductive argument that moves from a general premise to a specific methodological conclusion
B. An inductive reasoning process that derives a universal principle from particular observations
C. A dialectical progression that synthesizes opposing views on human intellectual capacity
D. A rhetorical strategy that prioritizes persuasive appeal over logical rigor
E. A teleological framework that positions method as the necessary means to an predetermined end

Solutions and Explanations

1) Correct answer: A

Why A is most correct: The claim that "good sense" is universally distributed is not an empirical observation but a rhetorical leveling device. Descartes uses it to neutralize objections based on intellectual hierarchy (e.g., "Only geniuses can discover truth"). By asserting that all humans possess equal reasoning capacity, he shifts the focus from innate ability to method of application. This sets up his later argument that truth is accessible to anyone who follows his rules, making the correctness of his method—not the user’s intelligence—the decisive factor. The passage’s subsequent emphasis on "rightly applying" the mind (rather than possessing a "vigorous" one) confirms this function.