a

Melissa Waugh
Dr. Akey
Math 100
27-February-2008
Descartes (1595-1160)

“I am thinking, therefore I exist” is a very realistic quote by Rene Descartes. Descartes was a French mathematician, scientist, and philosopher. Descartes felt that the only use his education gave him was his knowledge of mathematics. He was interested in ancient mathematics and felt that if it was discovered how to do ancient mathematics it would be “key to scientific advancement” During the year 1619 Descartes traveled to Germany. He was a man of dreams and had a dream that “he would unify the scientific system based on his mathematical discoveries and theories.”

Descartes was also a writer. Around 1628 he wrote Rules for the Direction of Mind and was published in 1701. He also wrote a book called The World but interestingly enough did not publish it due to Galileo being banned from the church, the book was also on Copernicanism. In 1638 Descartes published Discourse on Method which was about mathematical and scientific topics. In 1642 the second edition of the Mediations was published. In 1164 he visited France and was inspired to publish The Principles of Philosophy.


Works cited

"RENE DESCARTES (1595-1650)." 25 Feb 2008  .