Descartes Philosophy

René Descartes, often referred to as the "Father of Modern Philosophy," was a French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist who lived during the 17th century. His work laid the foundation for many aspects of modern philosophy and science.

Key Ideas

  • Cogito, ergo sum: "I think, therefore I am." This is Descartes' most famous statement, which asserts the existence of the self through the act of thinking.
  • Methodological Skepticism: Descartes believed that by doubting everything, he could find certain truths that could not be doubted.
  • Mind-Body Dualism: He proposed that the mind and body are two fundamentally different substances.

Influences

Descartes' ideas have had a profound impact on various fields, including:

  • Philosophy: His work has influenced rationalism, empiricism, and existentialism.
  • Mathematics: Descartes developed the Cartesian coordinate system, which is fundamental to modern mathematics.
  • Science: His methodological approach has influenced the scientific method.

Further Reading

For those interested in learning more about Descartes' philosophy, we recommend the following resources:

Descartes