What does Descartes' "Rule of Change" imply about acceptable actions?

Descartes' "Rule of Change" articulates a principle regarding the morality of actions based on their repeatability and consistency. This rule suggests that an action is considered acceptable only if it can be universally applied, which implies that actions that are permissible only if performed once may not align with ethical standards. The idea behind this is grounded in the notion that morality should be based on principles that could be applied broadly, rather than on isolated instances that do not hold up under scrutiny.

For example, if an action could only be deemed acceptable on a singular occasion and would lead to negative consequences if replicated, it signifies that the action lacks a solid moral foundation. This reflects Descartes' philosophical inquiry into the nature of actions and consistency in moral reasoning. Thus, the emphasis on accepting only those actions that can be repeated reinforces a need for a broader ethical perspective that aligns with universalizable principles.