Discourse on Method Summary & Key Insights

René Descartes' Discourse on the Method, as presented by Donald A. Cress's translation and likely accompanying commentary, isn't a narrative with a plot in the traditional sense. It's a philosophical treatise outlining Descartes' intellectual journey and his method for achieving certain knowledge. Therefore, there's no single protagonist or antagonist. The "character" is Descartes himself, reflecting on his past intellectual pursuits and presenting his newfound methodology.

The central plot point, if it can be called that, is Descartes' quest for unshakeable certainty. He begins by expressing dissatisfaction with the knowledge systems he'd inherited, finding them riddled with inconsistencies and lacking a firm foundation. He recounts his youthful travels and studies, highlighting his disillusionment with scholastic philosophy and the conflicting opinions of experts. This initial skepticism forms the backbone of the work.

Descartes employs a systematic process of doubt – his famous method – as his primary tool. He subjects all his beliefs to rigorous scrutiny, casting doubt on sensory experiences ("Could I be dreaming?"), mathematical truths ("Could a malicious demon be deceiving me?"), and even the existence of his own body. This radical skepticism leads him to his famous "cogito" argument: "I think, therefore I am" (Cogito, ergo sum). This self-evident truth, he argues, is the unshakeable foundation upon which he can rebuild his system of knowledge.

From this foundation, Descartes proceeds to prove the existence of God, arguing that the idea of a perfect being couldn't originate from his own imperfect mind. God, being perfect, would not deceive him, thus validating the reliability of his clear and distinct perceptions. This proof of God's existence is crucial, as it guarantees the reliability of his reasoning faculties and the external world.

Further, Descartes outlines his metaphysical dualism, separating mind (res cogitans) from matter (res extensa). He explores the nature of the human body, which he sees as a complex machine, and the interaction between mind and body. He also touches upon the potential for scientific advancement based on his methodical approach.

The overarching themes of Discourse on Method are foundationalism, skepticism, and rationalism. Descartes attempts to establish a secure foundation for knowledge, utilizing radical skepticism as a tool to reach certain truths. His rationalism emphasizes the role of reason and clear and distinct ideas in acquiring knowledge, in contrast to the reliance on authority or tradition prevalent in his time. The work's impact lies in its contribution to modern philosophy, shaping subsequent debates on epistemology, metaphysics, and the nature of the self. Cress's role is primarily to facilitate an accurate and accessible understanding of Descartes' original text for a modern audience.