René Descartes

From WikiMD's medical encyclopedia

René Descartes

René Descartes (31 March 1596 – 11 February 1650) was a French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist. Dubbed the father of modern western philosophy, much of subsequent Western philosophy is a response to his writings, which are studied closely to this day. Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy continues to be a standard text at most university philosophy departments. Descartes' influence in mathematics is equally apparent; the Cartesian coordinate system — allowing geometric shapes to be expressed in algebraic equations — was named after him. He is credited as the father of analytical geometry, the bridge between algebra and geometry, crucial to the invention of calculus and analysis.

Life

Descartes was born in La Haye en Touraine, France, in 1596. After completing his education at the Jesuit college of La Flèche, he studied at the University of Poitiers, earning a Baccalauréat and Licence in law in 1616, in accordance with his father's wishes that he should become a lawyer. However, after a brief period of practicing law, Descartes decided that his real path in life was the pursuit of true wisdom and science. He traveled extensively throughout Europe, joining various armies and witnessing various battles, before dedicating himself entirely to the study of philosophy and mathematics.

Philosophical Contributions

Descartes is perhaps best known for the philosophical statement "Cogito, ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am"), found in his Discourse on the Method (1637) and Principles of Philosophy (1644). This proposition became a fundamental element of Western philosophy, as it purported to provide a secure foundation for knowledge in the face of radical doubt. Descartes' method of doubt led him to question every belief about the external world and his own body, but he concluded that the act of doubting itself presupposed the existence and consciousness of a doubting self. This insight is often seen as the birth of modern subjectivity, or the "turn to the subject." In addition to his work in philosophy, Descartes' contributions to mathematics are profound. He developed the Cartesian coordinate system and contributed significantly to the field of analytical geometry, which allowed for the solving of geometric problems through algebra. His work provided the basis for the calculus developed by Newton and Leibniz.

Scientific Contributions

Descartes also made significant contributions to the field of optics and is known for his laws of refraction. In physiology, he described the reflex arc concept, which has played a fundamental role in the development of theories of the nervous system.

Legacy

Descartes' work in philosophy, mathematics, and science had a profound impact on various fields and laid the groundwork for many modern disciplines. His method of doubt and emphasis on the use of reason to establish truth has influenced countless philosophers and scientists. Despite the controversy some of his theories have generated, his work remains a cornerstone of Western thought.

See Also

Stub icon
   This article is a philosophy-related stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!



Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:

NYC weight loss doctor appointments

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.

Linkedin_Shiny_Icon Facebook_Shiny_Icon YouTube_icon_(2011-2013) Google plus


Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD