Discourse on Method (1637)

Ouvrage classique de philosophie, à la base de nombreuses réflexions ( )

Um livro surpreendentemente claro e acessível. Todas as ideias são explicadas logica e pacientemente, de acordo com o próprio método indicado pelo autor. Descartes parece relutante, ou no mínimo, cauteloso em apresentar as suas ideias, principalmente depois de saber o que aconteceu com Galileu. Todos os raciocínios aparecem quase pé ante pé ao longo do texto, desde a prova da existência de deus, até à imortalidade da alma e sobre a inteligência artificial de "máquinas que imitam o comportamento humano". ( )

One of many on scientific method.

Together with Bacon's New Organon, this small, lucid book is the methodological foundation of the entire scientific revolution - the "birth" of modern science during the 17th century - & perhaps even of technology as such. The celebrated & hypnotic mantra "nous rendre comme maîtres & possesseurs de la nature" - to acquire command of all nature by the radically cautious & methodical acquisition of knowledge that Descartes outlines - became a programme, a prize, an obsession, & decided, for better or worse, the size & shape of our universe. ( )

This book marks the shift in philosophical speculation, from the Nature-Grace ethos of the Medieval age to that of Nature-Freedom of the Enlightenment. Descartes essentially put an X through the then standing assumptions regarding knowledge. Agree or disagree, this book defines much of Western thought to this day.

This is an important book. Funny, most of the really powerful and long-lasting ideas have been in brief books like this one. ( )