Introduction
Arguably the most controversial philosopher, Rene Descartes’ thoughts have been a subject of debate and philosophical scrutiny in modern philosophy (Cimakasky and Polansky 354). Descartes’ provisional morality is yet another one of the concepts coined by the philosopher, in his quest to attain the goals of his project – one that sought to introduce certainty to the explanations and thoughts that he intended to publish. While the provisional morality concept has been criticized as being vague and lacking in definition, its role in the project is noteworthy. Based on “three or four” maxims, Descartes’ provisional morality is the reason why many contemporary philosophers describe him as the only systematic philosopher who does not employ methodological approaches in explaining his thoughts. This paper endeavors to explain the idea that Descartes’ provisional morality plays a key role in his project since it is the central factor as far as elimination of uncertainty and embracing of morality are concerned; hence it distinguishes his earlier research from the project he intends to embark on.
Explication and Interpretation of the Relevant Parts
The most relevant and pivotal parts of the text are the “three or four” maxims. Critics have always used Descartes doubt on the number of maxims to dismiss the validity of the provisional morality. However, looked at keenly, the maxims do make sense, and indeed bear a lot of significance to the application of the provisional morality in Descartes’ project. The first maxim states that Descartes is ready and willing to obey the laws of his country, while holding dearly to the catholic principles and sticking to self governance with the intention of being guided by the principles of only those people whose thoughts make sense (Cimakasky and Polansky 356). This maxim is straightforward in the sense that it explains Descartes’ intention to make a difference in his second project after the meditations failed. Apparently, the meditations did not believe in religion. On the contrary, Descartes argues that God’s existence is questionable. By incorporating religion in this second project, he hopes that the people that dismissed his meditations on grounds of faith will find objectivity in the project. Essentially, the first maxim is supposed to act as the moral guidance for Descartes as he goes about his project.
The second of the four maxims states that Descartes will be as firm and decisive as possible as far as action is concerned. The maxims also states that Descartes will stick to even those findings that are most doubted as long as they are established. Here, Descartes emphasizes objectivity. He does not look forward to being swayed by the popular belief. He argues that, that which his project establishes, he will stand by. He hopes to distance his findings and beliefs from the prejudices and subjective reasoning of the people in the field. This, according to him, will be the portrayal of truth and principles. In elaborating this maxim, Descartes uses the example of a traveler who has lost his way in the forest (Smith and Taylor 106). According to Descartes, such a traveler would better walk in a straight line because, even if he does not reach his desired destination, he will be better off than remaining stuck in the depth of the forest. What this means is that the forest is comparable to uncertainty. Being trapped in uncertainty is comparable to being in a deep forest without a particular way out. According to Descartes therefore, the best way to certainty is to strictly pursue one course, and to stick by the same, guided by strict principles and morals, and not allowing the path of thought be disrupted by what people consider popular thought.
The third maxim states that Descartes will endeavor to master himself, rather than fortune. The essence of this maxim is that he will seek to explicate and discover more on that which is within his control, and not the things out of his control. He clearly understands that it is only himself that is within his control. By himself, here, Descartes refers to his thoughts and ideas (Smith and Taylor 111). This is a preparatory maxim since it implies that if he fails to achieve something; such a thing is not within his reach. Many critics have argued that this is in reference to such factors as religion and faith. Considering that he failed to achieve in his meditations the understanding of faith and the existence of God, he seeks to pursue more reasonable goals in the project. He intends to avoid the frustration of failing to achieve by aiming at things that are not within reach. This maxim sets the pace and the limits for the entire research, which Descartes is thinking of attaining.
The fourth maxim has been the topic of controversy and the point of criticism. By saying “three or four” maxims, Rene Descartes, say critics, was not sure about the fourth maxim. He was not sure if he wanted to include it. Therefore, critics have found a point of dismissing it. They say it does not make sense at all, and is less related to the other three. While this is the case, proponents of the ideas of Descartes believe that the fourth maxim is no doubt the most important, and one that sums up all the three maxims (Cimakasky and Polansky 361). The fourth maxim states that Descartes would review various professions or occupations and go for that which he deemed best. Critically looking at it, the fourth maxim aims at revealing the fact that Descartes is quite contented in his work, and that he will seek to achieve optimal acquisition f knowledge. The fourth maxim also reveals that his profession is the foundation of the three maxims, and that such maxims spell out the framework within which the profession is operational.
How the Four Maxims Support the Thesis
The thesis states that Descartes provisional morality plays a primary role in eliminating uncertainty and introducing morality in the project. In point of fact, the above maxims support the thesis effectively. For instance, the first maxim talks about obeying the laws of the land, sticking to religion and observing self governance. Religion is the essence of morality; hence, observing religion will no doubt introduce aspects of ethics and morality in the project (Cimakasky and Polansky 369). Secondly, self governance and the decision to stick by the thoughts of people that make sense will eliminate uncertainty. Overall, the first maxim seeks to bridge the gap between the meditations on first philosophy and the project. It acts as a moral guidance for performance.
The second maxim emphasizes firmness. Firmness and decisiveness are designed to eliminate uncertainty and potential frustration. It is in this maxim that the thesis of this essay is most explicitly supported. The lost traveler example that is used to explain the essence of the maxim gives a clear roadmap on what Descartes intends to do. He is trapped in uncertainty and the only way of getting himself out of such uncertainty is to remain firm and decisive, something that is symbolized by the traveler’s walking in a straight line. The third maxim also concerns itself with the elimination of uncertainty. It effectively achieves this through emphasizing reasonableness in what is to be attained. He aims at attaining that which is within his power.
Potential Challenges
Critics may argue that the provisional morality cannot be assigned such a prominent role in the project, since Descartes already expressed his dissatisfaction in faith and God’s existence. The second challenge can be based on the reality that Descartes is not quite sure of the fourth maxim and that it has little meaning to the project. In responding to the above potential challenges, it is true that Descartes did cast doubt upon religion in his meditations. However, it is only through embracing religion that he can change the perspectives held by people who dismissed his meditations on the basis of lacking morality. Secondly, the essence of the fourth maxim lies in explaining the connection between the first three maxims and Descartes profession. The reason why Descartes uses the phrase “three or four” is because the fourth maxim is a little different from the first three (Smith and Taylor 109).
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that, form the foregoing, the provisional morality of Descartes was essential in guiding his project by eliminating doubt or potential uncertainty and introducing an aspect of morality. It is noteworthy that the maxims, on which the provisional morality is bases, mark the difference between earlier unsuccessful researches such as the meditations on first philosophy and the later projects. From the foregoing, it is as well clear that the firs maxim is concerned with morality and ethical conduct under self governance, and guided by the thoughts of the people worth noting. The second maxim is concerned with firmness and decisiveness – factors that will guide Descartes in upholding objectivity and eliminating potential subjectivity. The third maxim is concerned with setting reasonable limits and goals by narrowing down the project to only that which is within the reach of Descartes. The last maxim is the factor that seeks to establish a connection between the profession of Descartes and the first three maxims. Ultimately, the provisional morality seeks to eliminate uncertainty from the project.
Works Cited
Cimakasky, Joseph And Ronald, Polansky. “Descartes’ Provisional Morality.” Pacific Philosophical Quarterly, 93:3 (2012) 353-372
Smith, Nathan D, And Jason P. Taylor. Descartes And Cartesianism. Newcastle: Cambridge Scholars Press, 2005. Print.
