Descartes as a Philosopher and Biographer

René Descartes presented himself as his own biographer in his work, Discourse on the Method, emphasizing a life focused on intellectual development rather than personal anecdotes. He proposed to break free from established traditions, arguing that true knowledge requires abandoning conventional views and relying on self-evident truths. This approach ignited a significant shift in early modern philosophy, highlighting the importance of independent thought, which later influenced thinkers like Kant. However, Descartes also acknowledged his educational background at the Jesuit school La Fleche while dismissing the scholastic ideas he had outgrown.