The essays should contain a brief introduction and conclusion (the questions themselves will give you the
format for this). Don't waste time with historical or tangential discussion; just say what you will (in the intro) and
have (in the conclusion) accomplished or argued. In part one of the Discourse on Method, Descartes evaluates
his educational experience and his travels to foreign countries. What had he hoped to gain from these things,
and why is this hope ultimately disappointed? Analyze specific claims he makes about these experiences. How
does the analogy of building and legislation at the beginning of part two reflect this evaluation, and what does it
tell us about what Descartes is seeking?
Sample Solution