The challenges of the cartesian metaphysical foundation of science

Abstract

Cartesian epistemology is part of a bold project to overcome the ancient-medieval theories of knowledge. The Meditationes de Prima Philosophia, Descartes' work, written in 1641, is the main theoretical framework of the radical and innovative philosophical rupture undertaken in this period that has great repercussions in the following centuries. What are the main theoretical challenges faced by Cartesianism, to solidify and consolidate the philosophical Modernity on a scientific basis, through the criteria of clarity and distinction? This question guides this article that, by means of a bibliographical review, following the method of critical-investigative analysis, via re-readings and interpretations of renowned commentators seeks to put in evidence the main points for the Cartesian metaphysical foundation of science. The Cartesian texts concerning the theme of critical judgment are scrutinized and reviewed, seeking to highlight their unprecedentedness in the history of Western philosophy by contrasting them with the theories of epistemology and theology inherited from tradition. The Cartesian ideal of science is based on indubitability as the ultimate criterion of certainty and overcomes the previous forms of scepticism in history with impacts on all fields of human knowledge. We conclude, aware of the limits of the present investigation, that Cartesian thought focuses on the primacy of thought and ideas over data of sensible origin, to ground its worldview and its justification of truth, having, still, the certain and true knowledge of the idea of God as an epistemological support of truths, however, no longer the God of ancient-medieval metaphysics.