Page:Discourse on the method of rightly conducting the reason, and seeking truth in the sciences - Descartes (trans. Veitch).djvu/35

 most perfect activity of the faculties of knowledge.

4. The same is true of the precept (which is in subordination to the preceding), to sunder complex objects, and consider their qualities separately (Rs. II., III.) This precept is necessary only because the activity of our faculties of knowledge is limited; because our power is not infinite. It is owing to our limitation that objects whose qualities are numerous cannot be at once compassed in their totality, without being vaguely and indistinctly apprehended. The extension of our activity is in an inverse ratio to its intension. Hence if we would secure adequate and complete cognitive activity, we must seek the qualities of objects in succession, i.e., we must decompose or analyse, and embrace at a time only so much as can be compassed with facility.

5. The same end is sought in his precept to make complete enumerations and general reviews (R. IV.) to prevent the omission or overlooking of any element in the matter of our knowledge. This precept, when observed, will of course secure the full action of the faculties of knowledge; for when any element in a particular matter or object of thought is overlooked, this object is not fully but partially thought as, on the contrary, an object is fully thought when thought without omission of any of its constituents.