What philosophical statement is associated with Rene Descartes?

The philosophical statement "I think, therefore I am" is foundational to René Descartes' work and encapsulates his approach to epistemology and the nature of existence. This phrase, originally expressed in Latin as "Cogito, ergo sum," signifies that the act of thinking is proof of one's existence. Descartes used this statement as a fundamental element in his philosophy to assert that the very process of doubt or questioning one’s existence confirms that there is a thinking subject engaging in that thought.

Descartes aimed to establish a firm foundation for scientific knowledge and philosophy by doubting everything that could possibly be doubted, eventually concluding that the one undeniable reality is the existence of the self as a thinking being. This assertion emphasizes the importance of consciousness and personal awareness as the basis for knowledge. It reflects the shift from relying on external authorities to seeking knowledge through individual reasoning, which is a key aspect of the Enlightenment and modern philosophy.