Decartes: Rules for The Direction of the Mind

            In Descartes first 3 Rules he sets out to explain the importance of certainty in his thinking .Rule 1 sets out to explain how we can use our common senses and judgments through experience to gain more knowledge. He explains that if you have any type of knowledge at all, if you perceive it to be true will only lead to more and truer knowledge.
            In Rule 2, he contends we must only concern ourselves with objects for which we know to be certain. He says, "So it is better not to study at all than to occupy oneself with objects so difficult that, in our ability to distinguish true from false, we are forced to admit doubtful things for certain, for in these matters there is not so much hope of increasing our learning is danger of diminishing it".So don't worry about things that you know you cannot understand it is pointless to try because you will never understand them and they will only lead you away from knowing the things you are capable of understanding.
             Rule 3 says that we should only study objects that we ourselves can understand through our own knowledge.  You may only fully understand a notion if you have learned it clearly and on your own and with no help of others.

Rule 4 shows how the mind must have a clear method in order to understand true knowledge. This set of rules that make up his method will help you successfully attain the knowledge of all things.

Rule 5 shows that everything thing should be broken into its simplest form and from there can be truly examined.

Rule 6 once everything is broken into its simplest forms then you should break down each simplified part into carrying degrees and compare the complexities of them. Some things are “absolute” are pure and simple and cannot be broken down any farther but some things are “relative” and can be broken down and compared to their “absolute” parts.

Rule 7 states that no matter what the cause you should not skip any steps of the method.

Rule 8 asks that you avoid making things more complex than they have to be in order to prevent confusion in your understanding.

Rule 9 asks that you concentrate on the simplest elements of which you seek knowledge.  He shows that the operations of our intellect are intuition and deduction. If we use these tools wisely and often we will eventually be able to know the simple truths of our knowledge.

Rule 10 says that in order to fully understand everything start with the simplest of tasks first, then move your way, although this is not for everyone, into the more complex issues. It’s important for everyone to learn at their own pace.

Rule 11concerns intuition and deduction.  If you are using your intuitions and it leads you to doubts about your deductions you should continue on your path and further analyze the problem.