Racionalismo e os Limites da Razão em Blaise Pascal

Abstract

The central theme of our investigation consists of studying the epistemology of the philosopher Blaise Pascal, specifically rationalism. Due to Cartesian rationalism and the new approach to philosophical inquiry, distancing from tradition was inevitable. However, for Pascal, this distance should put reason itself to the test, and consequently, a new method should be established. Are there limits to reason? What are the "reasons of the heart"? What is the role of man and God in the construction of Pascal's thought? What is Pascal's relationship with imagination? What is the method and what criticisms are made of Descartes? Our general objective is to examine the limits of reason with the assistance of Pascal's geometrical method and its details. The specific objective is to analyze the details of the limits of reason, including an in-depth study of the psychological and theological aspects of man, investigating the central cognitive faculties of human beings for the validation of the theme.