A review by arcyeus
A Discourse on the Method by René Descartes

challenging inspiring reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

A lot of padding at the start and end but generally there was a comprehensive attempt at establishing Absolute Truth through Rationalism and the 'Method'. The most sound claims were cogito ergo sum and the existence of God. Due to the state of the scientific world in the 17th century though, the biological claims that follow (which attempt to establish communication, language and the soul as God-given) no longer hold. Nevertheless, he's explicitly stated, multiple times, that he is not attempting to be didactic, rather sharing his experience for the betterment of humanity. He would have hoped the reader with cutting-edge scientific knowledge would take his arguments further.