Descartes
modernRationalism1596 – 1650
René Descartes (1596–1650) was a French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist widely regarded as the founder of modern Western philosophy. His method of systematic doubt and the foundational certainty of the thinking self reshaped epistemology and metaphysics. He also made foundational contributions to mathematics and natural science, unifying algebra and geometry.
Notable Achievements
1
Formulated the Cogito ('I think, therefore I am') as the indubitable foundation of knowledge
2
Developed methodological skepticism as a philosophical tool
3
Articulated substance dualism, distinguishing mind (res cogitans) from body (res extensa)
4
Invented the Cartesian coordinate system, unifying algebra and geometry
5
Offered cosmological and ontological arguments for God's existence in the Meditations