René Descartes

René Descartes (IPA: {{IPA |d?-'kärt}}, March 31, 1596 – February 11, 1650), also known as Cartesius, was a French philosopher, mathematician and part-time mercenary. He is noted equally for his groundbreaking work in philosophy and mathematics. As the inventor of the Cartesian coordinate system, he formulated the basis of modern geometry (analytic geometry), which in turn influenced the development of modern calculus.

See also

• Dualistic interactionism
• Baruch Spinoza
• Asteroid 3587 Descartes, named after the philosopher
• Defect (geometry)
• Analytic geometry
• Cartesian coordinate system