Philosophical Works · Chapter
XXXV explained
Descartes explains that the will is far more extensive than the intellect, and that error arises when the will is applied to matters not clearly and distinctly perceived by the understanding.
What happens
Descartes explains that the will is far more extensive than the intellect, and that error arises when the will is applied to matters not clearly and distinctly perceived by the understanding.
Themes in this chapter
Reason and Method
Discusses the proper use of the will in relation to clear and distinct perception, central to Descartes' method for avoiding error.
Skepticism and Certainty
Identifies the will's overextension beyond clear perception as the root of error, reinforcing the need for epistemic caution.
Characters to notice
- René Descartes
Author and philosopher presenting the argument about the will and understanding.
- God
Mentioned as having an unlimited will to which the human will can extend.
Key passages
“the perception of the intellect extends only to the few things that are presented to it, and is always very limited: the will, on the other hand, may, in a certain sense, be said to be infinite, because we observe nothing that can be the object of the will of any other, even of the unlimited will of God, to which ours cannot also extend”
The intellect perceives only a narrow range of things, but the will is virtually limitless, capable of reaching toward anything that any other will—including God's—can desire.
Highlights the contrast between the finite scope of understanding and the infinite scope of will, which leads to error when misapplied.