Often referred to as the father of modern philosophy, Descartes sought to establish a secure foundation for scientific knowledge through rigorous doubt and analytic reasoning. His most famous statement, "Cogito, ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am"), encapsulates his belief in the indubitable existence of the self as a thinking being.

Descartes' contributions also extend to mathematics, where he is credited with developing Cartesian coordinates, linking algebra and geometry. His dualistic view of mind and body set the stage for subsequent philosophical discourse, making him a central figure in discussions around the nature of existence, knowledge, and consciousness.