Single Idea 24021

[catalogued under 13. Knowledge Criteria / B. Internal Justification / 4. Foundationalism / a. Foundationalism]

Full Idea

If the method shows clearly how we must use intuition to avoid mistaking the false for the true, and how deduction must operate to lead us to the knowledge of all things, it will be complete in my opinion.

Gist of Idea

The method starts with clear intuitions, followed by a process of deduction

Source

René Descartes (Rules for the Direction of the Mind [1628], 04)

Book Reference

Descartes,René: 'Rules for the Direction of the Mind' [Newcomb Library 2023], p.13


A Reaction

A perfect statement of his foundationalist view. It needs a clear and distinct basis, and the steps of building must be strictly logical. Of course, most of our knowledge relies on induction, rather than deduction.

Related Idea

Idea 24020 We all see intuitively that we exist, where intuition is attentive, clear and distinct rational understanding [Descartes]