René Descartes
René Descartes (31 March 1596-11 February 1650) was a French philosopher, mathematician and scientist who spent most of his life in the Dutch Republic.
He has been dubbed the father of modern philosophy, and much subsequent Western philosophy is a response to his writing, 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 was also one of the key figures in the scientific revolution and has been described as an example of genius.