THE TENETS OF CARTESIAN RATIONALISM
René Descartes is a key figure in rationalism, emphasizing the need for clear and distinct premises to establish truth. His idea of "radical doubt" led him to reject any belief not logically justified, which undermined traditional rules of conduct. While he attributed unproven morals and customs to an all-knowing deity, his followers viewed these traditions as irrational. Descartes' focus on reason meant that only actions rooted in demonstrable truth were considered rational. This outlook fostered a disdain for tradition, suggesting that society could be recreated solely through human reasoning.
This philosophy has contributed to the belief that all cultural institutions result from conscious design, influencing thinkers like Hobbes and Rousseau. Although their ideas were not strictly historical, they aimed to provide criteria for assessing existing institutions. The current preference for deliberate actions over tradition stems from this view, associating non-rational beliefs with weakness. However, the assumption that human success comes strictly from logical deduction is misleading. Many effective societal practices arise from customs and habits, which often operate independently of conscious understanding or intent.
René Descartes is a key figure in rationalism, emphasizing the need for clear and distinct premises to establish truth. His idea of "radical doubt" led him to reject any belief not logically justified, which undermined traditional rules of conduct. While he attributed unproven morals and customs to an all-knowing deity, his followers viewed these traditions as irrational. Descartes' focus on reason meant that only actions rooted in demonstrable truth were considered rational. This outlook fostered a disdain for tradition, suggesting that society could be recreated solely through human reasoning.
This philosophy has contributed to the belief that all cultural institutions result from conscious design, influencing thinkers like Hobbes and Rousseau. Although their ideas were not strictly historical, they aimed to provide criteria for assessing existing institutions. The current preference for deliberate actions over tradition stems from this view, associating non-rational beliefs with weakness. However, the assumption that human success comes strictly from logical deduction is misleading. Many effective societal practices arise from customs and habits, which often operate independently of conscious understanding or intent.