The Dialectic between the Private and the Public: the Philosophy of Descartes' Discourse on the Method

Descartes, in his Discourse on Method, constructs an implicit dialectic between logos, ethos, and pathos. This dialectic is finally resolved in the direction of logos or reason by Descartes’ decision to publish his work and appeal to the public. It is only through the reflection in the public mirror that the opinions of a philosopher can be judged authentic, and it is in this sense that Descartes needs the public. This signals a rejection of traditional religious authority and a trust in the public’s “totally pure natural reason.