 The theory whereby items of knowledge are best organized on an analogy to architecture traces back to ancient Greek thought – to Aristotle, and to work in geometry. That Descartes’ method effectively pays homage to Aristotle is, of course, welcome by his Aristotelian audience. But Descartes views Aristotle’s foundationalist principles as incomplete, at least when applied to metaphysical inquiry. His method of doubt is intended to complement foundationalism. The two methods are supposed to work in cooperation, as conveyed in the above quotation. Let’s consider each method.