R5 Passive Knower: “If, whenever I have to make a…
““R5 Passive Knower: “If, whenever I have to make a judgement, I restrain my will so that it extends to what the intellect clearly and distinctly reveals, and no further, then it is quite impossible for me to go wrong” (Descartes, PWD 2:43).””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Relying strictly on clear intellectual perception ensures correct judgments, but limits intuition and broader insight.
In simple terms: Follow clear intellect to avoid error.
Key Takeaway
Trust clear reasoning, but stay open to other inputs.
Themes
reasoning
judgment
intuition
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- making decisions
- academic analysis
- personal dilemmas
Key Concepts
epistemology
cognitive limits
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance intellect with intuition?
- When might intuition outweigh clear reasoning?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance may ignore valuable subconscious cues.