Descartes and Pierce’s Fundamental Differences on Belief

Abstract

In “The fixation of belief” the four methods that one might use to settle a belief according to Pierce are the method of tenacity, the method of authority, the method of experience, and lastly the method of science. Descartes' view is that beliefs must be true and for them to be true they must be relegated to purely rational or mental concerns. Pierce is not as concerned with true belief as Descartes is.