AS NATUREZAS SIMPLES E A METAFÍSICA CARTESIANA: UMA CRÍTICA A JEAN-LUC MARION

The aim of this paper is to analyze and to challenge Jean-Luc Marion’s thesis about the relation between the doctrine of simple natures and Cartesian metaphysics. First, we shall point out some problems with the structuralist method used by Marion. Next, we will show that it is impossible to turn epistemological notions (simple natures) into ontological ones (cogito). Finally, we will suggest that the method employed by Descartes to turn the simple natures into the metaphysics of the Meditations was the introspective method or discipline of interiority borrowed from Saint Augustine. This claim will reinforce our denial of the structuralist interpretation of Descartes’ philosophy.