Is learning on our own the best way
to gain knowledge?
Chapter 9 is a analysis called “The Rationalist, Rene’ Descartes.” In
section 9-2 titled "Rene’ Descartes: The
Solitary Intellect" you will read that Rene' Descartes was a very wise man, who studied
many different areas such as mathematics, history, liberal arts, philosophy, as
well as dancing, and fencing. When Descartes was 23 years old he had a
revelation that transformed him and the Western Philosophy. He describes three
dreams he had, one of which had a clap of thunder. He took that specific dream
as a sign from “the Spirit of Truth descending to take possession” of him.
After that experience, Descartes believed that he had been divinely encouraged
to form a method of reasoning, using mathematical principles. In Chapter 9,
section 9-4 titled “The Method Of Doubt”
Descartes said “I thought that the
sciences found in the books and those at least whose reasoning’s are only
probable and which have no demonstrations, composed as they are of the
gradually accumulated opinions of many different individuals- do not approach
so near to the truth as the simple reasoning’s which a man of common sense can
quite naturally carry out respecting the things which come immediately before
him.” He said if you followed carefully enough, than it would guarantee
absolute certain truths from the results. Now that we have some background on
how Descartes came to be the one who introduced this revolution, I think it
would be appropriate to say that he was a driven, very intelligent individual
who when he set his mind to know something, discovering the answer with reason
would be accomplished.
In my life I have not always been
the type to go above and beyond to find out information on my own. I would take
advice from others, listen to what people believed for themselves and go along
with their reasonings. Now that I am older and have had the opportunity to go
through life decisions, I have found that facts, reasoning, and true understanding
of what you’re facing is the best way to gain knowledge. Learning to make decisions
on my own after I have taken the time to evaluate the positive and negative
outcomes I have proven to myself that I have found truth about what really
makes someone smarter, and have a deeper knowledge of life and that is through
reasoning. Going into situations with an opened mind and discovering your own
opinion on matters is the best way to gain knowledge. Weather it be about
wanting to know if God exists, if true love is attainable, or if college is
difficult. Why are finding things out on our own beneficial? Because everyone
will tell you what he or she has heard or gone through but no matter what, the
only way to know for certain and have confidence in your decision is if you
take the plunge and find out yourself with actually facts and reason. That is
exactly what Rene’ Descartes did. He felt that science was mistaken and instead
of asking what others thought, he challenged himself in ways unimaginable
mentally and physically to prove what was true with reasoning to follow. I
agree with the brilliant Rene’ Descartes and will continue to gain knowledge to
any question I have with a clear mind and reason.
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