Descartes and Rousseau: antagonistic readings of childhood and subjectivity

Abstract

The following article presents discussions about childhood and subjectivity beginning with the perspectives of two great modern thinkers: Descartes and Rousseau. In this sense, it demonstrates the approaches between the concepts of childhood and subjectivity, as well as pointing out the differences as to how those philosophers conceive these categories. It is an integral part of the doctorate research undertaken already. In examining the text, it is clear that the men do not make use of the same references. Each one, moved by the restlessness of his time, delineate the lines of childhood and the subjectivity that we inherited through modernity. This study involves bibliographical research, employing a methodological approach based on the science of interpretation, trying to highlight the potential that those categories present for the understanding of modern education. In a time when some readings and hurried post-modern speeches look to invalidate those thinkers' contributions, it is necessary to read these classics.