<font color=pink>We've been discussing them in my philosophy class for the last couple days and it's got me interested. Wanted to know if any IWers have read it and what your opinion of it is?</font>

Well, his method of philosophy is the basis for our modern world pretty much...

as for applying his philosophy to life in general, id rather not. its better to be optimistic and believe in something rather than to doubt everything.

I read those way back in my 1st year philosophy class. They are useful to read for the intellectual exercise, and they are one of the most influential philosophical works of Western civilization. Much of it is profound.

Descartes was a revolutionary thinker for his time (or any time, really), but there are problems with his methodology (and logic). It is impossible to truly start with one premise (Cogito ergo sum) and proceed logically to a conclusion by logic without having other aspects of one's experience and preconceived notions impact on the "objective" approach; no matter how hard one tries. I thought that he too easily "proved" the existence of a supreme being, for example. I find it hard to believe that his (presumably Catholic?) upbringing didn't have anything to do with his conclusions.

Edit: for grammar and clarity

[ 09-17-2004, 12:43 AM: Message edited by: Aerich ]