Article for Intermediate ESL Adults
René Descartes was a famous French philosopher who lived in the 1600s. He is often called the “father of modern philosophy” because he changed the way people think about knowledge and truth. Descartes lived during a time when science was developing quickly, and many old beliefs were being questioned. He believed that to find truth, people must first learn how to doubt.
Descartes thought that many things people believe could be wrong. Our senses, for example, can sometimes fool us. A stick in water looks bent, but it is actually straight. Because of this, Descartes decided to question everything he thought he knew. This careful questioning is called “methodical doubt.” His goal was to find one idea that could never be doubted.
After doubting everything, Descartes reached a famous conclusion: “I think, therefore I am.” This means that even if he doubted everything else, he could not doubt that he was thinking. And if he was thinking, he must exist. For Descartes, this idea became the foundation for all knowledge. Thinking was proof of existence.
Descartes also believed that the mind and the body are different. He said the mind is connected to thinking and ideas, while the body is physical and follows the laws of nature. This idea is called “mind-body dualism.” It influenced philosophy, psychology, and science for many years, and people still discuss it today.
In addition to philosophy, Descartes was also a mathematician and scientist. He helped develop a system that connects algebra and geometry, which is still taught in schools today. This shows that Descartes believed knowledge should be clear, logical, and organized.
René Descartes believed that careful thinking and questioning lead to truth. His ideas encouraged people to think independently instead of accepting ideas without proof. Today, Descartes is remembered as a philosopher who taught the importance of doubt, logic, and clear thinking—skills that are still valuable in modern life.
Vocabulary List
- doubt — To question or feel unsure about something.
- senses — Abilities like seeing, hearing, and touching.
- methodical — Done in a careful and organized way.
- conclusion — A final idea or decision.
- exist — To be real; to be alive or present.
- foundation — A strong base or starting point.
- dualism — The idea that two different things exist separately.
- physical — Related to the body or material things.
- logical — Clear and based on good reasoning.
- independently — Thinking or acting for yourself.
True or False
-
Descartes believed people should never doubt anything.
-
“I think, therefore I am” means thinking proves existence.
-
Descartes believed the mind and body were the same thing.
-
Descartes also contributed to mathematics.
-
Descartes encouraged people to think independently.
Fill in the Blanks
- René Descartes lived in during the 1600s.
- Descartes believed our can sometimes fool us.
- “I think, therefore I .”
- Descartes believed the mind and body are .
- Descartes encouraged people to think .