In the passage “How to Make Our Ideas Clear” by Charles S

In the passage “How to Make Our Ideas Clear” by Charles S. Pierce, the author begins describing the differences between clear, obscure, distinct and confused conceptions. He defines a clear idea as one that will be highly valued and appreciated by others because of its clarity, while an obscure idea will be the complete opposite. A distinct idea will have clarity and preciseness while confused conceptions will be shallow and disorganized. Charles then makes a comparison that makes us arrive to the conclusion that distinct and clear conceptions have coherence and lucidity, while obscure and confused conceptions are the contrary. This is the reason why Descartes categorizes external concepts such as time as distinct and clear ideas.
In the passage Charles also mentions the need of logic to make our ideas clear as he states: “There is no real path to logic; really valuable ideas can be achieved only by paying the price of careful attention.” The author emphasizes on how important it is to have an idea in our minds, any idea that relates to anything and has its effects on the situation. He then states various examples and demonstrates how logical reasoning can have a tremendous effect in real life discussions. Charles also explains how the evolution of thoughts and values leads to beliefs and how we must comprehend the difference between sensations.
The author also mentions the concept of doubt and belief to make our ideas clear. Belief is something that we are aware of, appeases the irritation of the doubt, establishes in our nature a rule of action (a habit), calms the discomfort that produces the doubt, which is the reason for thinking, then causes a momentary relaxation of thought when the belief is reached. But as belief is a rule of action, it will produce more doubts, more thoughts, so it is a place of rest and at the same time it is a starting place for the next thought (Pierce calls it thought at rest, although the thought is essentially action). Charles Pierce also discusses the idea of path, velocity and how these two are related to force. The author elaborates on “Reality” and the difference between reality and fiction. He remarks that “real” is that whose characters are independent of what anyone might think they are. The only effect that real things can have is to cause belief. Charles assures that is very important to know how to make our ideas clear. He expresses the necessity of truthful, supported, creative and provocative ideas for our generation to advance.

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