Humility and power of the reason: paraphrase of Pascal

Abstract

The article compares the concepts of rationality created by Descartes and Pascal. The comparison is held in the light of the problem of the relationship between Modern conception of reason and the idea of rationality as a type of power. The author points out that the fundamental obviousness of ratio, first justified by Descartes and defined as the identification of the power of reason with actions that correspond to the true essence of things themselves, can be considered as the basis for this interpretation. The author reconstructs the five steps of justification leading to the formulation of Descartes' metaphysical thesis ego cogito ergo sum - the initial obviousness of reason. It is this initial obviousness that determines the dominant and determining character of reason as the foundation of man in Descartes' philosophy. The author contrasts Descartes' metaphysics of reason with Pascal's concept of rationality, which is based not on the initial but on the final obviousness of reason: the existence of principles other than it, in coordination with which the true power of reason lies. It is proved that Pascal opposes Descartes not by denying the power and significance of reason, but by reinterpreting its omnipotence. Author justifies that Pascal's concept of rationality is an example of criticism of the vision of reason as power, as well as an important resource for relevant contemporary philosophical discussions.