Discourse on Method PE 64-82

In Parts 3-6 Descartes he continues to try and explain his method of reasoning and begins to layout some ground rules for each.

Part 3 gives a moral code to which we are to live by or the Maxims for the Best Life. He begins with the rule to obey the laws and customs of our country and religion.  Second, always be decisive and stick with your decisions. Third, try to change himself and not the world around him. He seeks knowledge for his benefit and his alone. Lastly, to examine all the occupations of the world in order to try and choose the best one.  

Part 4 He discovers that there is a certain truth we cannot doubt but to doubt everything that can be doubted.  He proceeds to doubt the nature of his dreams and his senses. He then infers that he is a “thinking thing” that is how he knows not to doubt himself. “I think therefore I am” Also Descartes offers proofs that the soul and God exist.  

Part 5 Descartes dissects the theory of anatomy by using animals. He considers that animals have the same types of bodies as animals as in our organs and limbs but fall short of the power of speech or reasoning nor intelligence at all. He then explains human’s “rational soul.” Which I find a little confusing as to wear the idea of the soul came from? It seems as though he has inferred so many things that this one he just assumed we would accept because he has lead up to this point?  There is a connection between the body and soul that he cannot explain but exists and that make the body and soul separate and thus the soul is an eternal.

Part 6 Descartes talks of the conflicts with the church over his writing hence the reason he picked carefully what he chose to publish, because he would not be seen as someone who went against the church. It was one of his rules in this Discourse.