What was René Descartes' famous philosophical approach?

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Prepare for the FLVS World History Module 5 DBA. Study with comprehensive tools, flashcards, and multiple-choice questions. Master key concepts and excel in your exam with confidence!

René Descartes is best known for his method of systematic doubt, where he believed that by doubting everything, he could arrive at certain knowledge. This philosophical approach is famously encapsulated in his statement "Cogito, ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am"), which signifies that the very act of doubt confirms one's existence as a thinking entity.

Descartes argued that one should never accept information as true without first questioning its validity. This methodology led him to discard preconceived notions and focus on what could be known with absolute certainty. By starting from a point of skepticism, he aimed to construct a foundation of knowledge that could withstand scrutiny, ultimately leading to a clearer understanding of existence, the self, and the nature of reality.

In contrast, the other options, such as acceptance of established beliefs and finding answers through faith, do not align with Descartes' emphasis on doubting as a means to gain clarity and understanding. Similarly, while logical reasoning is integral to Descartes' philosophy, it is his unique approach of starting with doubt that distinguishes his method from simply relying on logic alone.

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