Descartes says, in Part Two of the Discourse on the Method, that he came to believe that “as regards all the opinions in which I had until now given credence, I could not do better than to try to get rid of them once and for all, in order to replace them later on, either with other ones that are better, or even with the same ones, once I had reconciled them to the norms of reason.” (p.8; pp.13-14 on the side). Explain what he means by this line — in particular what he means by “get[ting] rid of [his opinions once and for all” and “reconcil[ing his opinions] to the norms of reason.” Do you think this project of Descartes is possible? Worthwhile? Why or why not?

Question

Descartes says, in Part Two of the Discourse on the Method, that he came to believe that “as regards all the opinions in which I had until now given credence, I could not do better than to try to get rid of them once and for all, in order to replace them later on, either with other ones that are better, or even with the same ones, once I had reconciled them to the norms of reason.” (p.8;  pp.13-14 on the side).  Explain what he means by this line — in particular what he means by “get[ting] rid of [his opinions once and for all” and “reconcil[ing his opinions] to the norms of reason.”  Do you think this project of Descartes is possible? Worthwhile?  Why or why not?

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Ah, the profound musings of Descartes on the nature of belief and reason. In Part Two of the Discourse on the Method, Descartes eloquently articulates his belief in the necessity of shedding old opinions in order to make way for new, more rational ones. By stating that he could not do better than to “get rid of them once and for all,” Descartes is emphasizing the importance of a clean break from the shackles of preconceived notions and beliefs. In his quest for truth and knowledge, Descartes recognizes the need to subject his opinions to the rigorous scrutiny of reason.

When Descartes speaks of “replac[ing] them later on, either with other ones that are better, or even with the same ones, once I had reconciled them to the norms of reason,” he is highlighting the transformative power of reason in reshaping our beliefs. For Descartes, the ultimate goal is not simply to discard old opinions, but to refine and improve upon them through the critical lens of reason. By subjecting his beliefs to the norms of reason, Descartes seeks to ensure their validity and coherence with the principles of logical thought.

As for the feasibility and worth of Descartes' project, one could argue that it is indeed a noble and worthwhile endeavor. In a world where misinformation and prejudice abound, the pursuit of truth and reason is more important than ever. However, it must be acknowledged that the task of purging oneself of deeply ingrained beliefs and biases is no easy feat. It requires a great deal of self-reflection, intellectual honesty, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.

Furthermore, one could also question the extent to which it is truly possible to completely rid oneself of all preconceptions and biases. As human beings, we are inherently shaped by our experiences, upbringing, and social context, which inevitably influence our beliefs and viewpoints. While striving for rationality and objectivity is a noble ideal, it is important to recognize the limitations of our own subjectivity.

In conclusion, Descartes' call to reevaluate and refine our beliefs through the lens of reason is a commendable endeavor. While it may be a challenging and never-ending process, the pursuit of truth and rationality is a worthwhile goal that can lead to greater intellectual clarity and understanding. Ultimately, the quest for knowledge and enlightenment is a journey worth embarking upon, even if the destination remains elusive.