Cartesian Method

🧩 Doubt, analyze and arrive at the truth

Did you know that René Descartes proposed a method to think better and avoid mistakes? The Cartesian method not only transformed philosophy and science, but it is also a powerful tool for solving problems in everyday life. Today you’ll discover how to apply this system based on reason and doubt to make clearer, more informed decisions.

🧠 What is the Cartesian method?

Descartes designed a logical process to reach certain truths, based on questioning everything before accepting something as true. His 4 steps are:

1. Doubt methodically: Accept nothing without clear evidence.
2. Analyze: Break the problem into small parts.
3. Synthesize: Ordering ideas from the simple to the complex.
4. Verify: Checking everything to avoid mistakes.

This method marked the beginning of modern thinking and remains key in science, philosophy and everyday life.

🤯 Did you know…?
Descartes applied his method even to questions about existence, arriving at his famous conclusion, “I think, therefore I am.”

🔬 Application in science

• Galileo, Newton and Einstein used processes similar to the Cartesian method to formulate their theories.
• Observation, analysis and verification are pillars of today’s scientific method.

📜 Application in philosophy

• Descartes questioned everything, even the existence of the physical world, until he found an indubitable truth: thought.
• Later philosophers, such as Kant or Nietzsche, followed this critical and reflective line.

🎯 Current example: addiction to social networks?

1. Doubt: Is it really an addiction, what causes it?
2. Analysis: Identify factors such as immediate gratification or social comparison.
3. Synthesis: Relate causes, effects and possible solutions.
4. Verification: Evaluate whether proposed solutions (such as limiting use) are effective and consistent.

🌟 Importance today

• Encourages critical thinking.
• Helps to make informed decisions.
• Avoids falling into biases or accepting false information.

📖 Proverbs 18:15
“The heart of the discerning acquires wisdom, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”
The Cartesian method invites us to seek truth with patience, reason and humility.

🎬 Watch this video to learn more

🔗 Cartesian Skepticism – Neo, Meet Rene: Crash Course Philosophy #5

💭 Your mind in action

💬 Reflect:

• What are the advantages of questioning our ideas before accepting them?
• Do you think people today apply this type of thinking or do they get carried away by immediate information?
• In what situations in your life could you apply the Cartesian method?
• Can too much doubt be an obstacle? Where would the balance be?
• How does this method help you differentiate between opinions and facts?

🎯 Practical challenge:
Apply the Cartesian method to solve a current personal or academic problem (e.g., how to better organize your time or decide on an important choice). Document each step of the process.

🔍 Want to know more?

Other topics you may want to research:

• Relationship between the Cartesian method and the scientific method.
• Critical thinking in the digital age.
• How to avoid “fake news” using rational thinking.
• Philosophy of doubt: Descartes vs. other philosophers.

🎯 Show what you know

Choose one or more activities to embody your learning:

• 📑 Write: Write a paper, “How the Cartesian method can help you make better decisions in the 21st century.”
• 🎨 Design: Create an infographic explaining the 4 steps of the Cartesian method with examples of everyday application.
• 📊 Analyze: Elaborate a brief study where you compare the Cartesian method with other ways of solving problems (intuition, experience, authority).
• 🧑‍💻 Create: Develop a practical guide entitled: “Think like Descartes: Solve problems with logic and reason”.
• 📸 Document: Make a series of images or graphs that represent situations where applying methodical doubt can avoid common mistakes.