By
Christophe Emmanuel Ndjoh
Author Note
This is a factual account of the life and work of René Descartes.
Abstract
This paper will discuss the life and work of the renowned French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist René Descartes. As the father of modern philosophy, we will analyse his contributions to philosophy, particularly his famous statement, “I think, therefore I am.” We will analyse his works relating to analytical geometry, integrating algebraic equations with geometric shapes only when relevant to philosophy. Furthermore, we will explore how Descartes’ ideas continue to shape intellectual discourse and inspire scholars and thinkers across various disciplines today. In summary, the reader will be exposed to Descartes’ life and how the pursuit of knowledge and a relentless quest for truth affected his work.
Early Life
Born on March 31, 1596, in La Haye en Touraine, France, René Descartes was Joachim Descartes’s son, a provincial parliament magistrate, and Jeanne Brochard. Descartes’ mother, Jeanne Brochard, died in May, one year after Rene’s birth, leading to him, his full brother and sister, Pierre, and Jeanne, being raised by their grandmother in La Haye. (Smith, Descartes’ life and works 2023)
Education
In 1606 around ten years later, after his conception, Descartes was sent to the Jesuit college of La Flèche, where he studied various subjects like mathematics, logic, languages, and physics. Throughout his studies, we showed exceptional affinities in mathematics and physics. 1615 Descartes entered the University of Poitiers, where he acquired his Baccalaureate and License in Canon and Civil Law per his father’s wishes. He still had interests in mathematics and physics and decided to pursue them individually. Around 1619 Descartes began pondering existential questions and engaging in philosophical introspection. (Grayling, Descartes: The Life and Times of a Genius 2006).
Adult Life
In 1618, Descartes enrolled in the Dutch army. What he did in the army was not well known, but he travelled extensively and interacted with intellectuals from various backgrounds. These interactions broadened his knowledge by exposing him to philosophical and scientific ideas.
During his travels, Descartes had a pivotal moment of inspiration in 1619, commonly known as the “dream of the divine book.” After claiming to have received divine revelations from a higher power, Descartes started to pursue a new way to acquire knowledge. A way that will emphasise reason and the pursuit of certainty. (Grayling, Descartes: The Life and Times of a Genius 2006)
Motivations
René Descartes, the prominent French philosopher and mathematician, pursued philosophical research for various reasons. His yearning for clarity, desire to reconcile science and religion, and ambition to construct a sound philosophical framework were all part of his reasons. These motivating factors formed Descartes’ philosophical contributions and continue to have an impact on the philosophical dialogue today.
Descartes’ primary motive was his unwavering pursuit of certainty and the quest for unquestionable knowledge. (Gaukroger, Descartes: An intellectual biography. 1997) Descartes sought a way to construct a strong basis of knowledge after becoming dissatisfied with the uncertainties and dogmatism of his period. He devised his renowned method of doubt, using radical scepticism to challenge all his ideas and viewpoints. Descartes sought to eliminate any doubtful assumptions to arrive at indisputable facts. Descartes’ philosophy was shaped by his desire for certainty, which became a prominent topic in his philosophy.
In addition to his quest for certainty, Descartes was motivated to reconcile the seemingly opposing areas of science and religion. Tensions emerged in the 17th century between new scientific findings and traditional religious ideas. (Nolan, The Cambridge Descartes lexicon 2022) Descartes attempted to bridge this gap by creating a philosophical framework incorporating scientific observation and religious beliefs. Reason and faith could be reconciled through reasonable investigation and logical deductions. Descartes’ desire to reconcile science and religion drove him to investigate metaphysical issues such as God’s existence and the nature of the soul to demonstrate their harmony with scientific and religious principles.
Descartes was also motivated to create a comprehensive philosophical framework that may serve as a firm foundation for knowledge and truth. Descartes, dissatisfied with the dominant philosophical schools of his time, set out to provide a cohesive way to understand the world. He hoped to create a rational and deductive system that might serve as a firm foundation for various investigations, from natural sciences to metaphysics and ethics. Descartes’ approach to philosophy was inspired by his commitment to clarity and distinctness in reasoning and his dependence on mathematical reasoning. His desire to create a rigorous philosophical framework may be seen in his famous works, such as The Meditations and The Discourse on Method. (Grayling, Descartes: The Life and Times of a Genius 2006)
Works
René Descartes’ writings significantly impacted Western thinking, paving the door for countless philosophical and scientific breakthroughs.
The “Discourse on the Method” (1637)
The methodology by Descartes is a significant work that reveals his philosophical and scientific techniques. In this chapter, Descartes uses his famous adage “cogito, ergo sum” (I think, therefore, I exist) as a beginning point for knowledge production. He underlines the value of uncertainty, methodical thought, and clear, unambiguous concepts.
Descartes’ concept of the mind-body relationship and the presence of God are both addressed in the Discourse.
“Meditations on First Philosophy”(1641)
Meditation, one of Descartes’ most important writings, investigates basic concerns regarding the nature of knowledge, existence, and reality. Descartes engaged in meditations, challenging his ideas and seeking undeniable facts.
Descartes affirms the presence of God, the separation of mind and body, and the existence of external things in these reflections.
“Principles of Philosophy” (1644)
In Principles of Philosophy, Descartes carefully outlines his philosophical beliefs. He addresses many themes, including metaphysics, cosmology, physics, and philosophy of mind. Descartes developed the notion of substance, which explained the connection of mind and body and provided a mechanical explanation of nature.
“Geometry” (1637)
Descartes is most remembered for his works related to philosophy, but he also produced significant advances in mathematics. He introduced the use of equations based on algebra to express geometric shapes in “Geometry,” a systematic treatment of analytic geometry. Descartes’ work in this area set the groundwork for the creation of modern algebraic geometry and tremendously influenced a tremendous influence on the domains of mathematics and science.
“Principles of Philosophy” (1647)
This new version of Principles of Philosophy builds on the previous edition. Additional examination of natural laws, cosmology, and the nature of the human soul is included. Descartes develops hypotheses, responds to criticism, and clarifies his perspectives on various philosophical and scientific subjects.
Descartes’ work is notable for its methodical approach, focus on logic and scepticism, and the quest for fundamental knowledge. They continue influencing epistemology, metaphysics, and philosophy of mind, impacting philosophical and scientific debate. Descartes’ theories challenged common beliefs, laid the groundwork for modern rationality, and prompted disputes that still rage today.
Relevance
Rene Descartes’ work has had a significant impact and importance in many disciplines of study, influencing the development of philosophy, mathematics, and science. Descartes’ ideas continue to influence and stimulate debate in modern thought, and his work has left a legacy.
Methodology and epistemology
Descartes’ focus on scepticism and the search for certainty has a long-lasting influence on epistemology, the study of knowing. His style of challenging old thinking and requiring clear, well-defined ideas paved the door for a more rigorous approach to knowledge acquisition. Descartes’ focus on rationality, methodical thought, and logical reasoning has influenced how we approach philosophical and scientific investigation.
The concept of mind-body dualism
Descartes’ Meditation’s explanation of mind-body dualism is still a topic of heated intellectual controversy. His difference between the immaterial mind and the physical body set the groundwork for comprehending the link between mental and physical experiences. Descartes’ theories impacted subsequent arguments on the nature of consciousness, the mind-body issue, and perceptual philosophy.
Cartesianism and Rationalism
The philosophy of Descartes is frequently connected with rationalism, the concept that reason is the fundamental source of knowledge. His emphasis on intrinsic notions and logical reasoning methods has affected rationalist thinkers. From the 17th century, Cartesianism, a school of thought founded on Descartes’ theories, substantially affected the development of his 18th-century philosophy, with numerous thinkers expanding on and reacting to Descartes’ arguments.
Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Descartes’ work in mathematics, particularly his Geometry, transformed the area and significantly impacted the creation of analytic geometry. His use of algebraic notation and coordinates to depict geometric forms laid the groundwork for later mathematical growth. Descartes’ theories inspired the scientific method by highlighting the necessity of observation, experimentation, and mathematical reasoning in studying nature.
Conclusion
Descartes was special because his method of fundamental doubt aimed to challenge all beliefs and establish indisputable truths. The theory of mind-body dualism, distinguishing between the immaterial mind and body, was revolutionary. Descartes emphasised deductive reasoning and clarity of thought as the basis of knowledge. He played an essential role in the mathematisation of nature, applying mathematical principles to various scientific fields. Descartes’ systematic approach and ambition to create a comprehensive philosophical framework set him apart from his contemporaries.
References
Grayling, A. C. (2006). Descartes: The Life and Times of a Genius. Walker & Company.
Gaukroger, S. (1997). Descartes: An intellectual biography. Oxford University Press.
Nolan, L. (2022). The Cambridge descartes lexicon. Cambridge University Press.
Descartes, R. (2012). Discourse on the method. Duke Classics.
Damasio, A. (2008). Descartes’ error: Emotion, reason and the human brain. Vintage Digital.
Outside The Mind 
Leave a Reply