The Cartesian Circle and Some of Its Possible Solutions

The study deals with a "systematic chronology" of various sophisticated strategies, present in the analytical philosophy, in particular during the years 1960-1980, which aim to rescue Descartes' metaphysics and epistemology from an old and famous objection called "The Cartesian Circle Objection". It presents the strategy called "Memory Gambit" which seems to be at hand. The author refutes it because it is in contradiction with many passages of Cartesian corpus. Then it shows which variants of epistemic interpretation can be used as vehicles for liberation of Descartes from the Cartesian Circle. However, it argues that it is particularly a psychological version of an exemption strategy which, as the best interpretative strategy, can be ascribed to Descartes and to his project to obtain firm and stable knowledge.

Keywords: Descartes; Cartesian circle; God and verification of clear and distinct perceptions; Antecedent and Subsequent Grounds Exemption Strategy; Epistemic and Psychological versions of Exemption Strategy