answersLogoWhite

0

René Descartes (31 March 1596 - 11 February 1650), was a French philosopher, mathematician, physicist, and writer.

His most notable legacy was not for science but for Philosophy. He is often called the father of modern western philosophy and his books are still considered standard texts on those subjects.

His legacy in Mathematics set the groundwork for the calculus of Newton and Leibniz, by applying infinitesimal calculus to the tangent line problem.

One of Descartes most enduring mathematical legacies was his development of Cartesian geometry which uses algebra to describe geometry. He also invented the notation which uses superscripts to show the powers or exponents, for example the 2 used in x2 to indicate squaring.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

CoachCoach
Success isn't just about winning—it's about vision, patience, and playing the long game.
Chat with Coach
MaxineMaxine
I respect you enough to keep it real.
Chat with Maxine
ReneRene
Change my mind. I dare you.
Chat with Rene
More answers

René Descartes earned a Baccalauréat and Licence in lawin 1616 at the University of Poitiers. It was his father's wish that he should become a lawyer.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What did René Descartes do for science?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp