CARTESIAN Meaning and
Definition
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Cartesian refers to the philosophical and mathematical concepts derived from the work of the renowned French philosopher and mathematician René Descartes. The term Cartesian is primarily associated with the philosophical school of thought known as Cartesianism, which Descartes developed during the 17th century.
In philosophy, Cartesianism is characterized by its emphasis on rationalism, dualism, and skepticism. Descartes famously formulated the principle "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am), which encapsulates the idea that existence can be proved through self-awareness. This concept became a foundational element of Cartesian philosophy and has had a significant influence on subsequent philosophical thinking.
In mathematics, Cartesian refers to the coordinate system introduced by Descartes, known as Cartesian coordinates. This system represents points in space using two or three numerical values, denoting their position on perpendicular axes. Cartesian coordinates provide a standardized method for geometric representation, allowing mathematical relationships to be expressed graphically and algebraically. They are widely used in various fields, including physics, engineering, and computer graphics.
Overall, Cartesian relates to the philosophical ideas of Descartes and the coordinate system he devised. It encompasses the philosophical principles of rationalism and dualism, as well as the mathematical approach of representing points in space using Cartesian coordinates.
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• Pert. to the doctrines of the French philosopher Descartes.
• A person who believes in the philosophy of Descartes.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of CARTESIAN
The word "Cartesian" comes from the name of the French philosopher and mathematician René Descartes (1596-1650). Descartes is considered one of the founders of modern philosophy and his works, such as "Meditations on First Philosophy", had a significant influence on the development of Western thought. The label "Cartesian" is derived from Descartes' Latinized name "Cartesius", and it is used to refer to his philosophical ideas and his approach to rational inquiry. The term "Cartesian" thus signifies a connection to or adherence to the philosophical and scientific principles espoused by Descartes.
Idioms with the word CARTESIAN
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Cartesian coordinate
The idiom "Cartesian coordinate" refers to a system for representing points in space using numerical values along two or three intersecting lines, often referred to as the x-axis, y-axis, and, in three-dimensional space, the z-axis. It is named after the French mathematician René Descartes, who developed this method in the 17th century. In this system, points are located based on their distances and positions relative to these axes.
Similar spelling words for CARTESIAN
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