Descartes’ Mathematical Method and the Problem of Cognition of the Material World

Abstract

The object of research in the article is Descartes´ mathematical method and it aims to show the consequences which the implementation of the aforementioned method in philosophy had on human cognition, and ultimately on the cognition of the material world. For that purpose, the first segment of the article focuses on the detailed explanation of Descartes ´ understanding of method and shows the novelty of his methodological approach in regard of the precedent philosophical tradition. The second segment of the article shows the application the first rule of mathematical method in Metaphysical Meditations which calls for the methodical – in this case also universal – doubt that can be generally applied. The third segment of the article reveals how Descartes egresses the state of doubt and his attempt to demonstrate the existence of the material world. Here, we also see the difficulties and logical fallacies in Descartes‘ demonstration. The method used in the research was the method of analysis of Descartes´ works: Discourse on Method, Rules of the Direction of the Mind, Metaphysical Meditations in conjunction with the objections and replies and the Principles of Philosophy. As it is seen in the bibliography a relevant secondary literature has been used as an aid in interpretation of Descartes´ texts. The results of the research point towards multiple negative consequences which stem from the universal implementation of the mathematical method on the objects of human cognition, particularly concerning the cognition of the material world.