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Rules for the Direction of the Mind

In 1619, René Descartes began work on an unfinished treatise regarding the proper method for scientific and philosophical thinking entitled Rules for the Direction of the Mind. This work outlined the basis for his later work on complex problems of mathematics, science, and philosophy. 36 rules were planned in total, although only 21 were actually written.

The first 12 rules deal with his proposed scientific methodology in general. Analysts consider them to be early versions of principles that he expanded upon in his later writings.

References Edit

• Douglas Burnham and James Fieser. René Descartes (1596-1650). Internet Encyclopaedia of Philosophy. URL accessed on August 9, 2005.

Republications Edit

• Descartes, R. (June, 2000). Rules for the Direction of the Mind, Bobbs-Merrill Co. ISBN 0-672-60334-9.

fr:Les Règles pour la direction de l'esprit

fi:Järjen käyttöohjeet