Cartesian philosophy

Cartesian philosophy, developed by René Descartes, emphasizes reason and personal thought as the primary path to truth. It begins with the idea that the only certain knowledge is the fact of one’s own existence, encapsulated in the phrase “I think, therefore I am.” From this foundation, Descartes believed we can use rationality and systematic doubt to discover true knowledge about the world. His approach separates the mind (thinking, consciousness) from the physical body and external world, laying the groundwork for modern philosophy, science, and understanding of the relationship between mind and matter.