Descartes and Cassirer: Unity and methodological discontinuity of substance

Abstract

This article studies the methodological foundations of Cartesian work as a philosophical antecedent in the structuring of ‘function’ and ‘symbolic form’ in Cassirer’s work. This incorporation would have been developed through two moments: first, it is recognized the value of the scientific and mathematical studies proposed by the Frenchman as an indispensable way for the study of the natural substances of the world; second, it is criticized the lack of methodological continuity used in the study of the human substance. To this end, a comparative analysis is made between the works of Descartes and those of Cassirer.