Discover how René Descartes likens his method of independent thinking to building a house from the ground up. Learn more about his philosophical analogy and its significance.
Table of Contents
Question
The passage mentions that Descartes compares his method of thinking for oneself to:
A. Building a house from the ground up
B. Walking a tightrope
C. Sailing a ship in a storm
D. Solving a complex puzzle
Answer
A. Building a house from the ground up
Explanation
Descartes explicitly compares his method of independent thinking and knowledge-building to constructing a house. In his Discourse on Method, he uses the metaphor of tearing down an old, unstable structure to rebuild it on firm foundations. This analogy reflects his philosophical approach, where he discards doubtful beliefs (the “sand”) to establish certainty on solid, indubitable truths (the “rock”). Just as an architect ensures stability by laying foundations on firm soil, Descartes emphasizes starting from foundational principles to construct reliable knowledge.
This metaphor underscores the importance of intellectual autonomy and foundationalism in Descartes’ philosophy, as he advocates questioning preconceived notions and rebuilding understanding systematically.
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