The idea that experience cannot explain everything without underlying truths is one associated with the rationalists. Rationalists are understood in contrast to empiricists when it comes to the acquisition of knowledge. Empiricists believe that the experiences we have through our senses are the only source of knowledge that matters. On the other hand, rationalists claim that, while experience can be important, there are general truths that are gained through other means and which are necessary for logic. These means include logic and reason.
Descartes´ purpose in writing Discourse on Method was to find a clear and distinct form of knowledge devoid of any kind of uncertainty brought about by the senses or by confused and obscure ideas.
