Rene Descartes is rightfully considered one of the greatest philosophers and mathematicians. Each of us has been familiar with the Cartesian coordinate system since school. In addition to many achievements in mathematics, physics and philosophy, Rene gave us one interesting decision-making technique. Being a supporter of rationalism (reason above feelings and emotions), he created the so-called "Cartesian square." Its purpose is to help in making decisions based on the voice of reason. Here we look at what is the "Cartesian square", and its application in practice.
Theory
The basic idea of the Cartesian square decision-making technique is to prevent the brain from fooling itself. The fact is that our rogue-mind is not used to take into account the absence of something in the future. That is, the brain concentrates precisely on what we get, taking for what we have now as an unchanging reality. That is why we often regret very much about those things that we ourselves lost, without attaching importance to them. "What we do not store, lost crying" - this is just about it.
In order to avoid such things, one outstanding brain decided to catch billions of the average and created the decision-making technique - "Cartesian Square". The basis lies in four questions.
An important part of the process is the written record. Do not keep answers with questions in your head, because it’s like telling the secret of focus first, and then “create magic”. The part of the brain that is responsible for decisions will immediately understand and get out (we know that she is good at this). Let's look at each question individually using an example.
What will happen if this happens?
We write down on paper the consequences that a certain event that will take place in the future will bring. For example, Ivan wants to buy a dog. What will happen if he does it?
- A loyal friend will appear in Ivan's life.
- Ivan will be able to learn how to take care of the weaker.
- Ivan will be able to find a common language with other dog owners.
- Ivan will be much more likely to do cleaning in the apartment.
What will happen if this does NOT happen?
Now we will write down the consequences if Ivan decides not to have a cute pet.
- Ivan will have more free time.
- Grandma’s sofa of 1932 will be all the same old and uncomfortable, but intact.
- Ivan will calmly leave the apartment without worrying about the pet.
What will NOT happen if this happens?
Now we will write out what will not happen if Ivan buys a dog:
- Ivan will not have as much money as before.
- Furniture in Ivan’s apartment will no longer linger too long.
- Ivan will not have as much free time as before.
- At first, there will be no pleasant aroma in Ivan’s apartment.
What will NOT happen if it does NOT happen?
The time has come to a climax. What will Ivan not have if he does not buy a dog?
- Ivan’s wallet will not rapidly “lose weight”.
- Ivan will not spend most of his leisure time caring for a pet.
- Ivan's apartment will not be filled with dog hair.
Sharp corners of Descartes Square
If you make the answers to the question incorrectly, then you can easily screw everything up to the point of absurdity. All that is needed is to record a person’s personal reaction, and not objective facts that are already quite vague. For example, if Ivan decided to buy a dog, but when deciding, he also tries to take into account a personal, subjective reaction:
- He will have a good friend.
- He will no longer be lonely.
- Since he is not alone, he will communicate less with people.
- If he communicates less, then he becomes more and more closed.
- Closure is likely to increase, absorbing the whole life of the unfortunate Ivan. The dog becomes the center of his life.
- The dog dies after about 15 years, and Ivan is plunged into a deep depression, from which he will probably never come out ...
The example, of course, is incorrect and heavily twisted, but at the same time not without some logic. He, however, shows "holes" in exceptionally rational thinking. After all, when it comes to probability, then intuition enters the battle on a par with reason, which means that we cannot use the "Cartesian square" in such a situation.
Indeed, we can predict undeniable facts, but we cannot predict our reaction to them. This is the main error in the application of Descartes' square: we write down our reactions to them along with the facts ("I will be glad" or "I will be sad"). But we can’t guess in advance our reaction. For example, if someone puts his hand under fire, then as a fact there will be a burn. This is exactly what we will write in the "Cartesian square." However, if we write further: “I will scream” or “I will be very upset”, then we come across a barrier. Maybe a person will witness like a flute, or maybe he will calmly endure the pain like a real commando. You won’t know until you try.
Total
And even despite the obvious drawback of this technique, it can and helps people make decisions. The plus point is that the fashion for such introductions has increased significantly recently. Do not forget that the "Descartes Square" is not a panacea. By and large, this is a standard and popular idea of critical thinking. And the Descartes Square technique in itself only helps to make a decision, makes the process a little easier. What did you think? Answer four questions and solve one of the main problems of all mankind? No, this technique, unfortunately, does not work.