René Descartes: Philosophy and Contributions

René Descartes, a 17th-century philosopher, is renowned for his rationalist approach, emphasizing logic over tradition. He introduced the 'method of doubts' to solve philosophical questions by breaking them into smaller parts. His famous phrase 'Cogito ergo sum' ('I think therefore I am') addresses the certainty of existence. Descartes also explored human passions, advocating for understanding and controlling them. His work influenced many, including Queen Christina of Sweden, but his life ended in 1650 due to pneumonia.

What was René Descartes' primary philosophical approach?

• Pragmatism

• Existentialism

• Rationalism

• Empiricism

What is the 'method of doubts' according to Descartes?

• A way to question authority

• A method to divide problems into smaller parts

• A technique to enhance memory

• A strategy to avoid making decisions

What does the phrase 'Cogito ergo sum' mean?

• I know therefore I exist

• I feel therefore I am

• I think therefore I am

• I doubt therefore I exist

How did Descartes view the reliability of human senses?

• As irrelevant to knowledge

• As somewhat reliable

• As completely trustworthy

• As deeply unreliable

What did Descartes believe was necessary for philosophical inquiry?

• Collaborative research

• Personal reflection

• Expensive equipment

• Traditional education

What was Descartes' attitude towards practical tasks?

• He prioritized them over reflection

• He valued them highly

• He was indifferent to them

• He found them nonsensical

What was the focus of Descartes' work 'Passions of the Soul'?

• Discussing political theories

• Exploring scientific methods

• Analyzing human emotions

• Examining religious beliefs

How many fundamental passions did Descartes identify?

• Six

• Seven

• Five

• Four

What was Descartes' view on controlling passions?

• They should be understood and managed

• They should be eliminated

• They should be ignored

• They should be indulged

Who was Descartes' royal acquaintance interested in philosophy?

• Queen Elizabeth I

• Princess Elizabeth of Bohemia

• Queen Christina of Sweden

• Princess Margaret of Austria