# CCVII explained — Philosophical Works

> Chapter companion for Philosophical Works by René Descartes.

## What happens

The author submits all opinions to the authority of the church and the judgment of the wise, asserting that nothing should be believed unless compelled by reason and evidence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Reason and Method

The author emphasizes that belief should be constrained by the force and evidence of reason.

### Critique of Traditional Philosophy

The submission to church authority while insisting on rational evidence suggests a critique of blind acceptance.

## Character check-ins

### Narrator

The speaker who submits his opinions to the church and reason.

## Key lines

> I affirm nothing, but submit all these my opinions to the authority of the church and the judgment of the more sage; and I desire no one to believe anything I may have said, unless he is constrained to admit it by the force and evidence of reason.

I assert nothing; I place all my views under the church's authority and the wise, and I ask that no one accept my words unless reason and evidence compel them.

_The author balances religious submission with a call for rational scrutiny._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philosophical_works_se/chapters/ccvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philosophical_works_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philosophical_works_se/chapters