Descartes and the beginning of facultative logic

Abstract

Objections to syllogistic were developed by Descartes at the same time he provided new insights regarding the nature of inference and scientific discovery. This is why the following paper first focuses on the Cartesian conception of inference known as facultative by some interpreters. Thereafter, we will analyze the criticisms raised by the author against syllogism which is not only invalid for being a form of principle request but its null contribution to the scientific discovery may be even harmful for spontaneous exercise of reason.