Descartes

René Descartes was a 17th-century philosopher and mathematician known for his emphasis on reason and doubt as a foundation for knowledge. He famously said, "I think, therefore I am," highlighting the idea that conscious thought confirms one’s existence. Descartes believed that clear, rational thinking could uncover truth, and he contributed to developing the scientific method and Cartesian geometry. His work bridges philosophy and science, asserting that the mind and body are separate but interconnected, laying the groundwork for modern concepts of skepticism, consciousness, and scientific inquiry.