O governo das paixões: Encontros e desencontros entre Descartes e Espinosa

This article aims to explore the similarities and differences between Descartes and Spinoza's views on governing the passions. The analysis will draw on articles from the Passions of the Soul to support the Cartesian perspective that the will should control the passions by the guidance of reason. As a counterpoint, this text will focus on propositions 7, 8, and 14 of part IV of Spinoza's Ethics. These propositions suggest moderating the force of the affects based on the power of the mind itself, which is also presented as affectivity. Through a critique of Descartes, Spinoza's innovations will be explored, particularly his studies on the affects and passions.