La Mettrie e o cartesianismo

Abstract

The machine-man of La Mettrie appears constantly connected to the cartesian animal-machine. From this relation, it is possible to inquire whether there is indeed some continuity between the Cartesian proposal and that advocated by La Mettrie or, on the contrary, whether the latter effectively represents a criticism and a rupture with respect to the former. Our interpretation is that the germ of materialism - and La Mettrie does not escape it - can only develop in the condition of breaking completely with the cartesian doctrine. So, far from there being only one step between one and another philosophical theory, what exists is a radical and giant difference. There is no theoretical continuity between the cartesian animal-machine and the lamettrian machine-man. Unlike what happens in Descartes theory, particularly, in his dualistic conception that implies a discontinuity, Machine-man establishes a continuist thesis between men and animals. For La Mettrie, the passage from animality to humanity is not a violent passage, but a gradual one.