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René Descartes (1596 AD – 1650 AD)

René Descartes

René Descartes also known as Renatus Cartesius (Latinized form), was a French philosopher, mathematician, scientist, and writer who spent most of his adult life in the Dutch Republic. He has been dubbed the "Father of Modern Philosophy," and much of subsequent Western philosophy is a response to his writings, which continue to be studied closely to this day. In particular, his Meditations on First Philosophy continues to be a standard text at most university philosophy departments. Descartes' influence in mathematics is also apparent, the Cartesian coordinate system allowing geometric shapes to be expressed in algebraic equations being named for him. He is accredited as the father of analytical geometry. Descartes was also one of the key figures in the Scientific Revolution. From Wikipedia

Collection

Philosophytexts.net has the following Descartes articles available:

Discourse on the Method

Meditations on First Philosophy

Rules for the Direction of the Mind

The World (Treatise on the Light) - external link