What was Rene Descartes' major beliefs?

Rene Descartes was a 17th-century French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist known for his dualistic philosophy, which emphasized the separation of mind and body. He believed in the existence of innate ideas and the importance of reason and skepticism in philosophy. Descartes famously declared, "I think, therefore I am," highlighting the centrality of consciousness and self-awareness in his philosophy.