Rene+Descartes

=**Rene Descartes**=

By Luke and Natalie

-Born in La Haye, France (now Descartes) -1596-1650 -Studied law in France, later studied mathematics in the Dutch Republic -Volunteered soldier, became interested in math. -Known as the "Father of Modern Philosophy"
 * Bio**

//-Meditations on First Philosophy// //-Passions of the Soul// //-**Discourse on the Method--**a key work since Descartes came to emphasize the way truth is found--whetehr through sound logical reasoning (rationalism, analytical thought) or through sound scientific investigation (empirical method). Key here was **Methodological Skepticism.**// //-Principles of Philosophy// //Methodological Argument// //Ontological argument// -Cartesian... in other words, he came up with his own branch of ideas
 * Key Works**
 * School of Thought**

-Mathematics: analytical geometry, infinitesimal calculus and analysis. Invented the Cartesian, Coordinate System. Refraction and Reflection laws. Beliefs -Universe is composed of matter
 * Major Contributions**

==**Mind and Matter: Descartes divided all existence into two divisions, mind and matter. This came to be known as Cartesian dualism. Matter is the material world. The mind involves something non-material, spiritual, the soul. This idea of the components of man held until the recent, more controversial notion that the mind may be simply some kind of expression of matter. There are obvious connections to Plato's theory of ideas / ideals. The realm of shadows (earth) and the realm of ideals and ideas.**==


 * Influences:** well he sorta through out all developments scientifically of the human race.He lived during a time where Scholastic-Aristotelian philosophy was the dominant discourse.

> Fundamental Laws of the universe >
 * • He was obsessed with figuring out what we could know for certain, if anything, and what we just think we know. one, absolute truth.
 * Methodological skepticism
 * • Because we experience everything through our senses, and our senses are fallible, it’s impossible for us to know anything for certain. Something, someone, or our minds, could be decieving us about everything. Take everything you can’t absolutely know for certain off the table. Everything you think you know then, composed of varying levels of belief.

For him to be asking about the nature of existence there must exist something to actually ask the question. Cogiot Ergo Sum. I think therefore I am.

I am Axioms of Philosophy ONtological God

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 * Sources**