Descartes Discourse on Method, Part 1: On the Proper Goals of Education (Video 1 of 2)

Summary

In this philosophical lecture, the instructor delves into the first part of Descartes' 'Discourse on Method', exploring the purpose of education as Descartes saw it: the pursuit of 'certain and useful' knowledge. The discussion contrasts classical and modern educational goals, highlighting the tension between knowledge for its own sake and practical utility. Descartes' personal journey with education serves as a fable, guiding students to reflect on the true aims of learning in the context of both personal development and societal contribution.

Takeaways

• 📚 The class is focused on reading and discussing 'Discourse on Method' by René Descartes, a pivotal work in the history of philosophy.
• 🕰 The text was written in the 1600s, marking a significant shift in philosophical thought from the classical period to the modern era.
• 🎯 Descartes' work is divided into six parts, each addressing different aspects of his philosophical method and goals for education.
• 🤔 The primary goals of education as outlined by Descartes are to achieve clear and assured knowledge that is useful in life.
• 📈 Descartes reflects on his own education, questioning the certainty and utility of what he learned, and suggesting a new approach to learning.
• 📘 The 'Discourse on Method' is contrasted with 'Meditations on First Philosophy,' another key work by Descartes that will also be read in part.
• 🔍 The class will skip Part Three of 'Discourse on Method' due to time constraints, but will delve into the other parts for a comprehensive understanding.
• 🧠 Descartes' epistemology and metaphysics are central to Part Four, where he applies his method and discusses its implications.
• 🌱 Part Five and Six deal with the second goal of philosophy for Descartes, which involves understanding nature and the mastery over it.
• 🏛 The script touches on the classical versus modern views of education, highlighting a shift from knowledge for its own sake to practical utility.
• 🤓 Descartes is considered the 'father of modern philosophy,' and his ideas on the purpose of education reflect a modern perspective that values both wisdom and practical application.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the class discussion on Descartes' 'Discourse on Method'?

The class discussion primarily focuses on Part One of Descartes' 'Discourse on Method,' where Descartes sets out his goals for education and discusses the purpose of learning.

Why is Descartes considered the 'father of modern philosophy'?

Descartes is considered the 'father of modern philosophy' because of his modern approach to the purpose of education and his foundational contributions to philosophical thought in the 1600s, which laid the groundwork for subsequent philosophical developments.

What are the two fundamental goals for learning that Descartes identifies?

Descartes identifies two fundamental goals for learning: acquiring clear and assured knowledge, and ensuring that this knowledge is useful in life.

Why does the professor suggest that modern universities are in disarray?

The professor suggests that modern universities are in disarray because they attempt to serve both the classical idea of education for wisdom and the practical aims of education, creating a tension between these two different purposes.

What is the difference between the classical and modern views on the purpose of education?

The classical view of education was focused on knowledge for its own sake, with philosophy and theology at the pinnacle. The modern view, as exemplified by Descartes, emphasizes the importance of clear, assured, and useful knowledge for practical life.

Why does Descartes describe his 'Discourse on Method' as a fable?

Descartes describes his 'Discourse on Method' as a fable to encourage readers to consider his life and experiences as a teaching tool, with the intention that they learn from his personal journey and draw similar conclusions.

What is the significance of Descartes being both a philosopher and a mathematician?

The significance of Descartes being both a philosopher and a mathematician is that it highlights his ability to bridge the gap between abstract thought and practical application, which is a central theme in his work on the method of learning.

What does the term 'liberal education' refer to in the context of classical education?

In the context of classical education, 'liberal education' refers to an education that is free from practical ends, focusing on knowledge for its own sake and not constrained by the need to acquire specific skills for immediate practical use.

How does the professor describe the structure of 'Discourse on Method'?

The professor describes the structure of 'Discourse on Method' as being broken up into six parts, with each part focusing on different aspects of Descartes' method and goals for education, including his epistemology and metaphysics.

What is the relationship between Descartes' goals for education and his work in philosophy and mathematics?

Descartes' goals for education, which emphasize certainty and utility, are closely related to his work in philosophy and mathematics. His pursuit of clear and assured knowledge reflects his philosophical inquiries, while his interest in usefulness aligns with his mathematical work and its applications.