René Descartes is widely reviewed as the "father of modern philosophy" for shifting Western thought away from medieval scholasticism toward a system built on individual reason and scientific rigor. While his foundational contributions to mathematics and science are indisputable, his philosophical arguments receive mixed modern reviews, particularly regarding his reliance on theology to ground rationalism. Critical Perspectives on Major Works

Modern reviews of Descartes' primary texts, such as the Meditations on First Philosophy and Discourse on Method, generally focus on three key areas: René Descartes - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy