# That we never err unless when we judge of something which we do not sufficiently apprehend explained — Philosophical Works

> Chapter companion for Philosophical Works by René Descartes.

## What happens

This chapter explains that error arises not from apprehension itself but from judging without clear and distinct perception. If we refrain from judging or only assent to what we clearly and distinctly perceive, we avoid error.

## Themes in this chapter

### Skepticism and Certainty

The chapter addresses how error occurs when judging without sufficient knowledge, emphasizing the need for certainty before assent.

### Reason and Method

Descartes outlines a method to avoid error by only judging what is clearly and distinctly perceived.

## Character check-ins

### Narrator

The narrator explains the nature of error and the importance of clear and distinct perception.

## Key lines

> we never err unless when we judge of something which we do not sufficiently apprehend

We only make mistakes when we judge something without fully understanding it.

_Core thesis of the chapter._

> we would never fall into error, provided we gave our assent only to what we clearly and distinctly perceived

If we only agree to what we perceive clearly and distinctly, we will never be wrong.

_Key principle for avoiding error._

## Links

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