ABSTRACT

Now that we have provided a general account of the Cartesian method, we turn to the Meditations. Since Descartes claimed that “analysis . . . is the best and truest method of instruction, and it was the method alone which I employed in my Meditations” (AT 7: 156, CSM 2: 111), our account of the method should prove insightful with regard to the argumentative structure of the Meditations. Further, we take seriously his remark that “there are many truths which – although it is vital to be aware of them – this method often scarcely mentions, since they are transparently clear to anyone who gives them his attention” (AT 7: 156, CSM 2: 110), which implies that many appeals to the common principles and eternal truths are not explicitly mentioned (see P 1: 49; CB §1: AT 5: 146, CSM 3: 332).