According to Descartes, we are more certain of our thoughts, the content of our

Question

According to Descartes, we are more certain of our thoughts, the content of our minds, than we are of the world around us, and even of mathematical or logical truths. He uses 'methodological skepticism' to reach this conclusion.

What do you think about methodological skepticism? Do we ever follow this procedure in our daily lives, or do we do the opposite. In other words, do we tend to believe things until it becomes impossible to believe them, rather than doubting everything we can? If so, does this suggest that methological skepticism is not a good strategy?

Explanation / Answer

In the 17th secntury, Rene Descarte established this stance. Methodical doubt was in fact a technique whereby a philosopher or researcher engage in doubting almost everything before reaching a conclusion in order to truly establish it’s certainty. The underlying assumption here is that by the act doubting all possible statements during work, one is likely to stumble upon certain truths that cannot be discarded or looked at with scepticism any further. In real life, it is the opposite that we operate on. This means that we mostly rely on what is in front of us, without much thought, assuming it to be the unchangeable reality. However, it does not suggest that it is not a good strategy. Many a times, the road less travelled is the one that not every one can approach. It needs a certain amount of conviction and readiness for it to be used appropriately.

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