Cartesian Doubt

This quote seemed interesting in light of my earlier concern about the consequences of deciding that everything you thought you knew needing to be questioned and what to do in the mean time if the idea of being a recluse didn't appeal...

Russel on Decartes....

`In these books Descartes begins by explaining the method of 'Cartesian Doubt', as it has come to be called. In order to have a firm basis for his philosophy, he resolves to make himself doubt everything that he can manage to doubt. As he forsees that the process may take some time, he resolves, in the meanwhile, to regulate his conduct by commonly received rules; this will leave his mind unhampered by the possible consequences of his doubts in relation to his practice.'


While commonly received rules may not be so common, or clear... it is a start.

The choice seems between completely throwing away any previous restraints, and continuing as you are but constantly challenging why you are continuing the way you are.