Question
Graded Assignment
Expository Essay (Score for Question 1: of 50 points)
Refer to the rubric at the end of this assignment for details on how you will be graded.
Compose an Essay or Presentation
Begin by selecting an individual we have discussed this semester that you feel has had an impact on European thought. The objective of this assignment is to create a presentation or write an essay that instructs, provides information, or explains. In this assignment, you are presenting information and explaining why you think the ideas and work of the individual you chose had an effect on European thought.
Examples of how the presentation may be submitted are: PowerPoint; Canva; a video; a song; newspaper article.
The presentation should include an explanation of the contributions of the individual and of why these contributions are important. Presentations should be a minimum of 4 slides of content plus a slide for the works cited
If you choose to write an essay:
Your essay should include (3 - 5 pararaphs) an introductory paragraph, supporting paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph. Each paragraph should cover one main topic. The main topics should cover: The person's accomplishment and contributions, and the effect of his or her accomplishments or contributions on European thought.
This assignment requires you to conduct research outside of the course content. You should use 2 - 3 outside resources for your research. Be sure to include a works cited page identifying your sources and in-text citations where you used information from your sources. Works cited should use MLA Formatting
Rubric: Presentation
Criteria
Content (25 pts)
Excellent
(25-23 points)
* Clearly identifies a specific individual and their contribution to European thought. *
Accurately describes the chosen contribution with specific details and examples. * Explains why this contribution is the most important, providing a strong and well-supported argument. * Demonstrates
understanding of the contribution's impact beyond Europe itself. *
Uses evidence from credible outside sources to support claims (in-text citations and works cited page).
Excellent
(14-15 points)
Presentation
(15 pts)
* Presentation is clear, engaging, and well-organized. * Delivery (if applicable) is confident and professional. *
Visual aids (if used) are effective and complement the content. * Chosen format (PowerPoint, video, etc.) is appropriate for the topic.
Works Cited
(10 pts)
Excellent
(9-10 points)
* Uses a variety of credible outside sources (books, academic articles, reputable websites). * Works Cited page is formatted correctly and includes all sources used in the
presentation (including in-text citations).
Rubric: Essay
Criteria
Content
(35 pts)
Excellent
(35-30 points)
* Clearly identifies a specific individual and their contribution to European thought. *
Accurately describes the chosen contribution with specific details and examples. * Explains why this contribution is the most important,
providing a strong and well-supported argument. *
Demonstrates
understanding of the contribution's impact beyond Europe itself. *
Uses evidence from credible outside sources to support claims (in-text citations and works cited page).
Works
Cited
(15 pts)
Excellent
(13 - 15 points)
* Uses a variety of credible outside sources (books, academic articles, reputable
websites). * Works Cited page is formatted correctly and includes all sources used in the presentation (including in-text citations).
Fill it all in
Answers
GPT-4o mini
### Expository Essay: The Impact of René Descartes on European Thought
#### Introduction
René Descartes, a French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist, is often referred to as the father of modern philosophy. His ideas and works significantly impacted European thought, transitioning the continent from medieval scholasticism to a framework grounded in reason and empirical evidence. Descartes’ assertion of “Cogito, ergo sum” (“I think, therefore I am”) underscored the importance of doubt and questioning, influencing generations of thinkers. This essay will explore Descartes’ contributions to rationalism, mathematics, and methodology, and discuss the profound effect of his accomplishments on European thought and beyond.
#### Contributions to Philosophy
Descartes’ philosophical contributions are monumental, particularly his emphasis on rationalism—the belief that reason is the primary source of knowledge. His seminal work, "Meditations on First Philosophy," introduces a systematic method of doubt, encouraging individuals to question their beliefs to identify those that are indubitably true. By asserting "Cogito, ergo sum," Descartes established the self as the foundation of knowledge, which shifted the philosophical landscape and laid the groundwork for modern epistemology (Kenny, 2012). His approach not only paved the way for future philosophers like Spinoza and Leibniz but also encouraged a culture of inquiry that challenged orthodox beliefs.
#### Contributions to Mathematics
In addition to philosophy, Descartes made significant advancements in mathematics, particularly in the development of Cartesian coordinate systems. His work “La Géométrie” fused algebra and geometry, allowing for the representation of geometric shapes through algebraic equations. This innovation allowed mathematicians to analyze spatial problems more effectively and led to the development of calculus by later thinkers such as Newton and Leibniz (Boyer, 1991). The fusion of algebra and geometry not only transformed mathematics but also influenced the fields of physics and engineering, highlighting the practical applicability of philosophical concepts.
#### Methodological Approach
Descartes’ methodological contributions cannot be understated. He championed the scientific method, advocating for a systematic approach to scientific inquiry based on observation and experimentation. His emphasis on deductive reasoning laid the foundation for a new scientific framework that other scientists, such as Galileo and Newton, would build upon. This methodological shift resulted in a more empirical approach to science, ultimately leading to significant advancements in understanding the natural world (Gaukroger, 2006). The impact of his methodology echoed through the ages, propelling the Scientific Revolution and fundamentally changing humanity's approach to knowledge.
#### Conclusion
René Descartes' contributions to European thought are profound and multifaceted, marking a transition from medieval to modern intellectual frameworks. His emphasis on rationalism, groundbreaking advancements in mathematics, and a systematic approach to inquiry not only shaped philosophical discourse but also influenced scientific methodologies. The ripples of Descartes’ thoughts reached far beyond Europe, encouraging a global culture of inquiry and reason. His legacy continues to be felt in today's philosophical and scientific debates, firmly rooting him as a pivotal figure in the history of human thought.
#### Works Cited
Boyer, Carl B. *A History of Mathematics*. John Wiley & Sons, 1991.
Gaukroger, Stephen. *Descartes: An Intellectual Biography*. Clarendon Press, 2006.
Kenny, Anthony. *Descartes: A Very Short Introduction*. Oxford University Press, 2012.
#### Introduction
René Descartes, a French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist, is often referred to as the father of modern philosophy. His ideas and works significantly impacted European thought, transitioning the continent from medieval scholasticism to a framework grounded in reason and empirical evidence. Descartes’ assertion of “Cogito, ergo sum” (“I think, therefore I am”) underscored the importance of doubt and questioning, influencing generations of thinkers. This essay will explore Descartes’ contributions to rationalism, mathematics, and methodology, and discuss the profound effect of his accomplishments on European thought and beyond.
#### Contributions to Philosophy
Descartes’ philosophical contributions are monumental, particularly his emphasis on rationalism—the belief that reason is the primary source of knowledge. His seminal work, "Meditations on First Philosophy," introduces a systematic method of doubt, encouraging individuals to question their beliefs to identify those that are indubitably true. By asserting "Cogito, ergo sum," Descartes established the self as the foundation of knowledge, which shifted the philosophical landscape and laid the groundwork for modern epistemology (Kenny, 2012). His approach not only paved the way for future philosophers like Spinoza and Leibniz but also encouraged a culture of inquiry that challenged orthodox beliefs.
#### Contributions to Mathematics
In addition to philosophy, Descartes made significant advancements in mathematics, particularly in the development of Cartesian coordinate systems. His work “La Géométrie” fused algebra and geometry, allowing for the representation of geometric shapes through algebraic equations. This innovation allowed mathematicians to analyze spatial problems more effectively and led to the development of calculus by later thinkers such as Newton and Leibniz (Boyer, 1991). The fusion of algebra and geometry not only transformed mathematics but also influenced the fields of physics and engineering, highlighting the practical applicability of philosophical concepts.
#### Methodological Approach
Descartes’ methodological contributions cannot be understated. He championed the scientific method, advocating for a systematic approach to scientific inquiry based on observation and experimentation. His emphasis on deductive reasoning laid the foundation for a new scientific framework that other scientists, such as Galileo and Newton, would build upon. This methodological shift resulted in a more empirical approach to science, ultimately leading to significant advancements in understanding the natural world (Gaukroger, 2006). The impact of his methodology echoed through the ages, propelling the Scientific Revolution and fundamentally changing humanity's approach to knowledge.
#### Conclusion
René Descartes' contributions to European thought are profound and multifaceted, marking a transition from medieval to modern intellectual frameworks. His emphasis on rationalism, groundbreaking advancements in mathematics, and a systematic approach to inquiry not only shaped philosophical discourse but also influenced scientific methodologies. The ripples of Descartes’ thoughts reached far beyond Europe, encouraging a global culture of inquiry and reason. His legacy continues to be felt in today's philosophical and scientific debates, firmly rooting him as a pivotal figure in the history of human thought.
#### Works Cited
Boyer, Carl B. *A History of Mathematics*. John Wiley & Sons, 1991.
Gaukroger, Stephen. *Descartes: An Intellectual Biography*. Clarendon Press, 2006.
Kenny, Anthony. *Descartes: A Very Short Introduction*. Oxford University Press, 2012.