Estimative Cognition as a Non-Methodic and Non-Objectivizing Modus of cogitatio in Descartes’s Thought

Jean-Luc Marion

The article’s starting point is an analysis based on the Passions of the Soul and other writings of the “late” Descartes, where the author describes the epistemological status of esteem as a modus of cogitatio. Estimating a thing according to its value is supposed to be a kind of estimative cognition, devoid of objectivity. The author emphasizes the passive dimension of estimation, as well as some convergence between esteem and doubt, which opens the way for a new phenomenological interpretation of Descartes’ thought. The text closes by a reference to Pascal, whose discussion with Descartes is both a confirmation of the importance of the concept of  esteem in Descartes’ philosophy and an emphasis the need to develop it in accordance with the third order of love.

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Keywords: Descartes · Pascal · estimative cognition · esteem · value · doubt