Critique of Traditional Philosophy

Where it surfaces

• Synopsis of the Six Following Meditations

  Descartes rejects previous foundations for the sciences, aiming to establish new, indubitable principles.

• IX

  Descartes criticizes those who speak of corporeal substance as distinct from extension, arguing their words betray a confused conception.

• III

  Rejects the anthropocentric assumption as 'ridiculous and inept' in physical reasoning, critiquing a common theological and philosophical view.

• The Universality of Mechanical Principles

  Though he claims his philosophy is ancient, Descartes subtly critiques traditional reliance on sensory qualities by asserting that only mechanical properties yield distinct knowledge.

• CCI

  He dismisses Scholastic concepts like 'first matter' and 'substantial forms' as obscure inventions that hinder true understanding of nature.

• CCII

  Descartes critiques Democritus's assumptions (indivisible atoms, vacuum, gravity) and distances his own method from both ancient atomism and Aristotelianism.

• CCVII

  The submission to church authority while insisting on rational evidence suggests a critique of blind acceptance.

• Endnotes

  The notes critique interpretations that would attribute to Descartes a direct consciousness of organic impressions, arguing such a view contradicts his own doctrines and introduces anomalies into his system.