Who is credited with the phrase "I think, therefore I am"?

The phrase "I think, therefore I am" is attributed to René Descartes, a pivotal figure in Western philosophy and mathematics. This statement, originally expressed in Latin as "Cogito, ergo sum," encapsulates the foundational element of Descartes' philosophy, which emphasizes doubt and the search for certainty. Descartes concluded that the very act of doubting or thinking is proof of one’s existence. By asserting that thinking is a clear indication of one’s existence, he established a starting point for his philosophy that sought to build knowledge upon indubitable truths.

In the context of Enlightenment thought, this phrase is significant as it reflects the shift toward individual rationality as a source of knowledge and existence. It contrasts with earlier philosophical approaches that relied on tradition or authority. Descartes’ work laid the groundwork for modern Western philosophy, influencing subsequent thinkers and the development of epistemology, which further explores the nature and scope of knowledge.

The other figures mentioned, such as Kant, Locke, and Hume, made important contributions to philosophy but did not originate this key phrase. Kant is known for his work on the nature of knowledge and ethics, Locke for his theories on empiricism and the social contract, and Hume for his skepticism