Using Descartes’ Principles of Philosophy, Rickless determines that there are three different methods of perceiving ideas, as assumed by Descartes. These include perceiving through the senses, imagination, and through understanding. With Descartes’ claim that these methods produce clear and distinct ideas, Rickless claims that “not all these clear and distinct ideas are certain” (Scherer 29), with Rickless further explaining that “distinct perceptions of the understanding, not distinct perceptions of the senses, are certain” (318). Rickless then claims that understanding is produced by intellect. With these claims it is concluded that “clear and distinct ideas encompass, but are not synonymous with, the natural light” (Scherer
Using Descartes’ Principles of Philosophy, Rickless determines that there are three different methods of perceiving ideas, as assumed by Descartes. These include perceiving through the senses, imagination, and through understanding. With Descartes’ claim that these methods produce clear and distinct ideas, Rickless claims that “not all these clear and distinct ideas are certain” (Scherer 29), with Rickless further explaining that “distinct perceptions of the understanding, not distinct perceptions of the senses, are certain” (318). Rickless then claims that understanding is produced by intellect. With these claims it is concluded that “clear and distinct ideas encompass, but are not synonymous with, the natural light” (Scherer