Abstract

AGOSTINI, Siegrid. Claude Clerselier, reader of the doubt of René Descartes. Educação e Filosofia [online]. 2020, vol.34, n.72, pp.1077-1103.  Epub Feb 03, 2022. ISSN 1982-596X.  https://doi.org/10.14393/revedfil.v34n72a2020-59281.

Claude Clerselier was a friend, correspondent, translator, and editor of René Descartes. He published three volumes of correspondence of Descartes (The Correspondence of René Descartes), Treatise of Man, and The World. His activity as editor and translator was always inspired by a dual purpose: disseminate the philosophy of Descartes, though through building and conveying the most orthodox image possible of the philosopher. This image of Clerselier as “popularizer” of Descartes’ philosophy, that always portrayed him as the faithful disciple who strives to never distance himself from the master whose merits he honors, is, in our opinion, worthy of deeper analysis. Close attention to the Preface of the Treatise of Man undeniably shows that Clerselier did not limit himself to disseminating and defending Cartesian philosophy but that he is also its scrupulous interpreter. The passage of this Preface in which Clerselier discusses determined themes central to Cartesian metaphysics effectively appears to suggest a completely different approach to that of his master.

Keywords : Descartes; Clerselier; correspondence; Treatise of Man; The World.

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