TITLE:
Descartes on Mathematical Reasoning and the Truth Principle
AUTHORS:
John H. Dreher
KEYWORDS:
Truth, Reasoning, Infinity, Natural Light
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Philosophy,
Vol.10 No.3,
August
27,
2020
ABSTRACT: The main purpose of this paper is to examine and assess the plausibility
of Descartes’ thesis that it is by mathematical reasoning that we
ultimately justify the Truth Principle, which is a metaphysical claim.
Drawing upon contemporary logic and philosophy of mathematics, the paper argues
that Descartes’ understanding of mathematical reasoning, especially concerning
infinity, enables him to justifiably conclude that the Truth Principle is
indubitable.