Descartes arguments on morality is based is based on the need to be happy and find fulfillment in life. He believed that to be happy, one has to be content; this does not however imply that they become complacent and never explore new things. In fact, he believed in searching knowledge, which is fundamental to obtaining truth on some issues. He advocated for the need to set principles, which will be the basis on which a person’s life is found. This will ensure an individual does not hover around in search of something that will bring them fulfillment. He believed that there is vast knowledge on a specific issue of which, if an individual sought to find truth about each one of them, they would be confused in the end (Descartes & Blom, 37). This is the reason why he insisted on believing in a particular truth and seeking more knowledge on the same for purposes of clarification.
Descartes designed a moral code, which he personally considered the basic principles on which his life would flourish. He encouraged people to have such principles that will guide the through in all situations. His first law was to pledge allegiance to the laws of his country and holding on to the religious principles he was taught when he was a child. By this, he believed that there is a reason why laws were designed and that if followed carefully, they would minimize on any disturbances and conveniences. According to him, laws are meant to ensure that each person lives at peace with their neighbor by not allowing them to engage in acts that dissatisfy their them. According to Descartes, true happiness came with having peace with oneself and those around him. He also believed in following religious principles that encourage people towards doing good. He considers them to be the basis in which he grew and basically shaped the morals that he later adopted.
His second maxim, which defined his moral code, was to remain firm and decisive when it came to the actions that he partook. This required him to believe and follow opinions that were subject to debate and doubt. By adopting such opinions it meant that, he would hold on to them and follow them as if he had researched adequate knowledge and proved that they were right. By being firm on an opinion, it would basically protect him from falling for anything that comes his way. Descartes recognized the fact that there is no end to research and acquisition of knowledge. What differentiated people’s opinion is what they chose to believe in. faith is the founding basis of research and knowledge (Marshall, 69). This will also be helpful in ensuring that they follow only a particular direction and not trying out on anything. According to Descartes, each opinion present has valid reason to credit and discredit it. If a person’s opinion has to be based on analysis of validity, then they would have no opinions to follow and hence the probability of not finding meaning and satisfaction in life.
His third maxim was on understanding himself instead of waiting for fortune and to make his life interesting by changing his desires rather than expecting the environment to work out for his own good. Descartes was of the opinion that being content started by knowing oneself. This will ensure that they are not influenced into lifestyles and behaviors that are contrary to their own nature. Understanding oneself begins by knowing what they are capable of doing and engaging in activities that make an individual happy (Descartes & Blom, 92). By this, Descartes advocated for the need of not trying to do things just for the sake of it or to please somebody else at the expense of one’s happiness. It would be meaningless to be engaged in activities that make another person happy when in the real sense a person is hurting. He also believed that change does not come from the external environment but from within. By this, he implied that if a person wanted to obtain the best from life, then they have to change their attitudes and perception. Knowing that things will never be better unless an individual makes them so is the best change that the world needs.
As a conclusion to his moral code, Descartes purposed to keep doing what he was doing with the full assurance that it was what he lived for. The only thing he had to do is to expand on it by seeking more knowledge on it and ensuring that he became a profession it. This should be in consideration to the principles he set for his life. By advocating for this code, Descartes emphasized on the importance of finding ones purpose and standing with it to the very end. Change in such instance is only in advancing to greater heights by obtaining knowledge and information. Morality is defined by a person’s character, which based on the principles that they set. It is however one thing to set principles and a very different one to follow them to the very end (Marshall, 54). This is the reason why Descartes considers firmness to be a relevant virtue in life. This requires a great deal of sacrifices and basically understanding oneself. An individual who has to stand by their principles needs to have firm believes that he would defend even when it is easy to doubt them.
Morality is considered a fundamental aspect of life that each person has to adopt. This does not however imply that people need to follow a specific routine. In fact, diversity is what makes life interesting as long as a person understands his or her purpose. Descartes’ moral code was mainly to guide people in choosing what they have to stand for. The most interesting aspect of Descartes morale code is believing in a particular opinion despite the various doubts that it is exposed to. This is like defining ones faith and purposing that they will not fall for various ideologies that seem enticing and interesting. When it is considered that every opinion is subject to debate, we realize that there is nothing better or worse than the other is. The only difference is how what a person determines to hold on to and observe without a second thought. He or she will only build knowledge by adding to his opinion (Descartes & Blom, 86). Appreciating all critics but never having a change of mind on what they stand for. Such firmness is what is requires especially if a person has to defend their religious and cultural beliefs. This has been the main issue of contentious especially when people believe that what they adopt is the best and everyone has to observe it. Having faith in ones beliefs is true loyalty that each individual needs to adopt for themselves and the society.
The approach that was found more compelling
Of all the three maxims of Descartes, mi found the first one about obeying the rules of the law and the trust in God to be more compelling. This is because of the fact that it almost summarizes all the maxims that he has mentioned. He recognized the need of staying at peace with everyone, which is fundamental for satisfactory living. Descartes did not adopt a selfish approach to his thought and considered the importance of people in his surrounding. He also recognizes that there is a supreme being responsible for the lives of people. It therefore goes without argument that unless such laws are put into consideration, a person may not exactly obtain the satisfaction they desire to obtain in life. By observing the laws of God and country, one has pledged to live at peace with the surrounding.
Works cited
Descartes, René & Blom, John. Descartes, his moral philosophy and psychology. Michigan:
Harvester Press, 1978.
Marshall, John. Descartes's Moral Theory. New York: Cornell University Press, 1998.
