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Philosophical Works · Chapter

VI explained

Descartes argues that we possess free will, which allows us to withhold assent from doubtful propositions and thereby avoid error, regardless of the power or deceitfulness of our creator.

What happens

Descartes argues that we possess free will, which allows us to withhold assent from doubtful propositions and thereby avoid error, regardless of the power or deceitfulness of our creator.

Themes in this chapter

  • Free Will and Error

    The chapter emphasizes that free will enables us to withhold assent from doubtful matters, thus avoiding deception.

Characters to notice

  • Narrator

    The narrator reflects on the freedom of the will to withhold assent from uncertain things.

  • God

    Referenced as the possible author of our being, whose power and deceitfulness are considered.

Key passages

  • “we are nevertheless conscious of a freedom, by which we can refrain from admitting to a place in our belief aught that is not manifestly certain and undoubted, and thus guard against ever being deceived.”

    We are aware of our freedom to refuse belief in anything that is not clearly certain, thereby protecting ourselves from deception.

    Descartes asserts that free will is the means to avoid error by withholding assent from uncertain propositions.

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