The Rationalism Of Descartes

Rationalism (ratio) – represents the philosophical idea of recognizing the thinking (mind) as the source of any knowledge and the criterion of its truth. Popular this teaching has become in the 17th century. The foundations of the philosophies, traditions introduced by Rene Descartes. In his "discourse on method", "Reflections on a new philosophy" and other writings the problem of the reliability of knowledge were solved in the sphere of knowledge itself and its internal characteristics. This is mainly different from the rationalism of Rene Descartes theory practical thoroughness bacon.

First, developing his idea, argued that there are four rules of cognition: a methodological doubt, control, analysis and evidence. The rationalism of Descartes has established the certainty of the presence of the knower of the mind, philosopher  said: "I think, therefore I exist." Proof of this theory, in his opinion, lay in the justification of thinking, credibility. At the same time God is the guarantor of the comprehensibility of the created world, as well as the objectivity of human knowledge.

The System of arguments, which leads Descartes explains the idea of the existence of innate ideas as one of the fundamental principles of rationalism. Created things are learned only through deepening in the mind. All things consist of two substances independent from each other-body and soul. The nature of the body – not more than mechanism. The strengthening of the dominance of reason over the senses and bodily passions is an outbound principle to search for different formulas  moral behavior in a variety of situations. This is the concept that carries the rationalism of Descartes.

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It is Necessary to emphasize the paramount importance of this Outlook for the development of philosophy and science. The rationalism of Descartes not only contributed to the formation of new rules and principles, but also formed the basis of some scientific disciplines, in particular analytical geometry, mathematics.

The Dualism underlying ideas, allowed us to formulate the dual of the mutually exclusive interpretation of the doctrine. The rationalism of Descartes provided an explanation of the structure of the world, presenting it in an abstract and visual images simultaneously. The world suggested the possibility of dismemberment, his (using analysis) on components that are logically linked and mathematically accurately described. In this is hidden the methodological basis of the process of the mathematization of natural science.

A Rational man with deductive and intuitive mind, can achieve reliable knowledge. The deductive method permits only those assumptions that are seen to the mind clear - do not bring the truth no doubt. In addition, this method is carried out the dismemberment every complex problem, on private, its components, the periodic transition from known and proven to the unknown and unproven, with no gaps permitted in the test units.

In the days of Descartes philosophy was of great importance. Science was seen as the highest value, and the possibility of its practical application in meeting various human needs was improving cognitive thinking processes.

Influenced by the teachings of Descartes Benedict Spinoza outlined rationalism, using the geometric method. Their ideas reflected in the work "Ethics". In this work, each part begins with a clear and simple definition of the concept. This is followed by an axiom, the statement with evidence. In conclusion sets out a philosophical argument.

Spinoza identified three levels of knowledge. First – higher – involves the attainment of truth, intuitively visible, directly by the mind. The second level included reasoning mind, in need of evidence. Third, low level, is based on sensual perception of the world.