Descartes' method was to search for an indefeasible truth that could function as a starting point for a series of deductions. The nature of a deductive inference is that it transfers the truth value of the premiss to the conclusion. read more
He conceived of it as breaking the dogmatic grip of Aristotle, via the School, on knowledge of the world around us. Descartes realized that dogmatic acceptance of any claims to authority was an impediment to the advancement of knowledge. And that is finally the most important aspect of Descartes’ method. read more
The philosophical writings for which he is remembered are therefore extremely circumspect in their treatment of controversial issues. After years of work in private, Descartes finally published a preliminary statement of his views in the Discourse on the Method of Rightly Conducting the Reason (1637). read more