René Descartes (1596-1650) was a French mathematician, natural scientist, and philosopher, best known by the phrase 'Cogito ergo sum' ('I think therefore I am'). He published works on optics, coordinate geometry, physiology, and cosmology, however, he is mostly remembered as the "father of modern philosophy". He lived in a time preceding the Age of Enlightenment that flourished in Europe in the late 17th and throughout the 18th century, a period of revolutionary ideas in government, individual freedom, and religious beliefs. While not a direct participant in the Enlightenment, Descartes' legacy would be his influence on those who contributed to the scientific, political, and social changes throughout this age, an age of reason.
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Definition
Timeline
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1596 - 1650Life of French philosopher Rene Descartes.
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1633Philosopher Rene Descartes writes his Le Monde, a defense of the heliocentric view of the solar system.
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1637Philosopher René Descartes writes his Discourse on the Method.
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1641Philosopher René Descartes writes his Meditations, a discussion of his Cartesian theory and God's existence.
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1644Philosopher René Descartes writes his Principles of Philosophy, an examination of the relationship between the body and soul.
