claim

active

claim:the-cartesian-method-of-observation-by-forbidding-inclusion-of-the-observer-s-self-systematically-excludes-awareness-of-the-different-degrees-of-life-in-space

The Cartesian method of observation, by forbidding inclusion of the observer's self, systematically excludes awareness of the different degrees of life in space

Alexander's critique of Cartesian epistemology as structurally incapable of perceiving living structure

Neighborhood — ranked by edge-count

Frameworks (1)

framework

Cartesian Method of Scientific Observation
contradicts
The dominant scientific paradigm Alexander seeks to supplement: observation of limited machine-like events from an external, self-excluded standpoint

Claims (2)

claim

In the late 20th century, architectural judgment had been turned on its head by prevailing dogma, requiring a formal observational method as antidote
supports
Historical claim explaining why a formal methodology is needed to counter deliberate perversion of commonsense architectural values
The post-Cartesian second method of observation is consistent with and complementary to the Cartesian first method, each suited to different domains
extends
Alexander's reconciliation: Cartesian method for machine-like phenomena, wholeness method for relative wholeness judgments

Quotes (1)

quote

Where Descartes only allowed observation to focus on the outer reality of mechanisms in the world, my method requires that we focus on the inner reality of feeling as well.
supports
Core distinction between the two methods stated concisely

Related by similarity (8)

cosine ≥ 0.65 · no typed edge

Entities in the same semantic neighborhood but without a typed relation to this one — candidates for new edges or unrecognized duplicates.

Cartesian method of observationmethod0.853
The method of observing the world as if it were a machine, separating the observer from the observed, leading to mechanistic knowledge.
The observations presented throughout these four books are based on a method of observation which is entirely different from the Cartesian method.claim0.838
Alexander claims his method is a genuine alternative to Cartesian observation.
Post-Cartesian Method of Observationframework0.807
The core framework introduced in this chapter: using the observer's experienced inner wholeness as an objective measuring instrument for the degree of life in external systems
The Cartesian dogma is violated by the idea that every part of space has some life, but experience itself is not violated by it.claim0.806
Defends the life-of-space concept against the mechanistic worldview by appealing to direct experience.
I revere Descartes... he not only invented the method of observation which in effect we have continued to use unchanged for several hundred years, but he also saw clearly what it would bring.quote0.785
Alexander's generous framing of Descartes before presenting the second method as extension rather than rejection
We seem to have a fundamental observation - so far unexplained - that among pairs of events, bits of space, places, and particles of existence, we can usually judge that one has a greater degree of life and the other less, at least according to our feeling.quote0.781
Summarizes the empirical bedrock of the whole argument.
Cartesian Methodframework0.774
The scientific method that requires observation by any observer and excludes subjective states, argued to be inadequate for measuring life.
Life, as it occurs in buildings or in works of art, can be measured, but only by a method that relies on the degree of development or enlightenment of the observer.claim0.769
The fundamental methodological conclusion of the chapter.