Descartes and Rationalism
In first time, some things standed and were analysized by Descartes as logic and algebra. However, he observes that logic does not teach a new thing, and it only helps to explain the known-things to others. Then, algebra becomes highly abstract and appears useless. Consequently, his method was born from taking advantages of logic and algebra and immunizing their defects (Descartes 15). In the end, he composes the method with four principles: avoiding from precipitancy and prejudice, dividing each of difficulties under examination into as many parts, conducting his thoughts with simplest and easiest way and always going back and checking his thoughts (Descartes 15). He is one of the most important representatives of rationalist philosophers, and he always puts the mind in the center of achieving knowledge. He was not skeptic but always doubted and doubting shows that he is thinking and if he thinks, he exists. After he finds thinking is the proof of his existence, he says his famous motto: “I think hence I am. ” He approaches thought immediately and has a huddle with thoughts. Then, he thinks that other things like senses can deceive him.