Cartesiano

Cartesiano, in Portuguese and Spanish, is an umbrella term used for things related to the French philosopher René Descartes (1596–1650) or to ideas and methods derived from him. The term covers philosophical approaches as well as a mathematical framework that linked algebra and geometry, enabling a systematic description of space and quantities.

In mathematics, the Cartesian coordinate system provides a way to describe points in the plane or in space using ordered numbers relative to perpendicular axes. The two-dimensional Cartesian plane uses an x-axis and a y-axis intersecting at the origin, so that a point is represented by coordinates (x, y). Three-dimensional Cartesian space adds a z-axis. This framework allows the algebraic representation of geometric shapes and the solution of geometric problems. Related concepts include Cartesian products, the set of all ordered pairs from two sets, and Cartesian equations, which describe curves and surfaces through algebraic expressions.

In philosophy, Cartesian refers to Descartes’ method of doubt and rationalism, his cogito ergo sum argument, and his broader project of grounding knowledge in clear, methodical reasoning. Descartes also articulated a mind–body distinction, known as Cartesian dualism, which has influenced discussions in metaphysics and epistemology for centuries.

The term remains common in science and education to denote ideas, methods, or systems associated with Descartes. Its influence spans mathematics, philosophy, physics, computer science, and related disciplines, reflecting a foundational shift toward analytic and coordinate-based thinking.