Cartesian studies in Brazil have been highly influenced by the French interpretation. Certainly, interpreters such as Hamelin, Laporte, Gilson, Gouhier, Alquié, Guenancia, Kambouchner, Marion and others are still read and discussed. This influence has taken place in different ways, but if a name has to be indicated, considering both the discussions from the past and still in progress, it is unavoidable to refer to Martial Gueroult and his interpretation of the Cartesian philosophy. We believe that the discussion between the historical precision and the structural understanding of Descartes’ work maintains a certain importance in the wake of his studies. For this reason, we propose to investigate some key points of Gueroult’s interpretation, analyzing them in the context of the current Brazilian studies on Descartes, and then to make some considerations on Cartesian morality.