René Descartes, born on March 31, 1596, in La Haye en Touraine, France, was a French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist. He is often regarded as the father of modern philosophy due to his influential works that departed from traditional scholasticism. Descartes' approach emphasized reason and individual thought, laying the groundwork for the Enlightenment. In 1637, Descartes published Discourse on the Method, introducing his famous dictum, "I think, therefore I am" (Cogito, ergo sum). This work outlined his method of systematic doubt and is considered a foundational text in Western philosophy. His contributions to mathematics include the development of Cartesian geometry, which bridged algebra and geometry. Descartes spent much of his later life in the Dutch Republic, engaging with prominent intellectuals of the time. In 1641, he released Meditations on First Philosophy, further exploring metaphysics and the nature of existence. Descartes passed away on February 11, 1650, in Stockholm, Sweden, leaving a lasting legacy in both philosophy and science.
