A falibilidade dos sentidos e a fundamentação racional do conhecimento em Descartes

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the critique of René Descartes regarding sensory evidence as a foundation for the acquisition of knowledge, highlighting its importance for the constitution of modern rationalism. Situated within the context of modern philosophy, Cartesian thought seeks to establish a secure and indubitable criterion for knowledge, in opposition to reliance on the senses, which are considered potential sources of error. To this end, the philosopher develops the method of hyperbolic doubt, through which all beliefs are called into question, especially those derived from sensory experience. From this procedure, Descartes identifies in thought the first indubitable truth, expressed in the principle of the cogito, ergo sum, establishing reason as the foundation of knowledge. This research, of a bibliographic nature, is based on the analysis of the author's central works, such as the Discourse on the Method and the Meditations on First Philosophy, as well as relevant commentators. Therefore, the objective is to present and understand how the critique of sensory evidence contributes to the valorization of reason and to the consolidation of a new epistemological paradigm in modernity. It is concluded that the Cartesian project inaugurates a new way of thinking about knowledge by shifting its foundation from experience to rationality.