7 Rene DescartesRene Descartes was a French philosopher and writer who spent most of his adult life in the Dutch Republic.He has been dubbed the “Father of Modem Philosophy”，and much subsequent Western philosophy is a response to his writings, which are studied closely to this day.In particular, his Meditations on First Philosophy continues to be a standard text at most university philosophy departments.Descartes’ influence in mathematics is equally apparent.He is credited as the father of analytical geometry, the bridge between algebra and geometry.Descartes was also one of the key figures in the Scientific Revolution.Descartes was born in La Haye en Touraine (now Descartes), Indre-et-Loire, France.When he was one year old, his mother died. His father was a member in the provincial parliament.At the age of eight, he entered the Jesuit College Royal Henry-Le-Grand at La Fleche.After graduation, he studied at the University of Poitiers, earning a Baccalaureat and Licence in law in 1616，in accordance with his father’s wishes that he should become a lawyer.He spent most of his youth traveling, visiting courts and armies, mixing with people of diverse temperaments and ranks, gathering various experiences.
