The Misinterpretation of Descartes by Modern Academia

Descartes' main goal in his meditations on first philosophy was to prepare for doing science by finding the level of experience where doubt begins. While modern academia often emphasizes the cogito ergo sum ('I think, therefore I am') as the core of his work, Descartes likely intended it merely as a starting point for the pursuit of knowledge. His real focus was on establishing the boundary between doubt and certainty to move towards scientific exploration, rather than fixating on the concept of ego or the cogito itself. Descartes would likely view his principles of philosophy as his most significant contribution to the world.