Which philosopher is known for the statement about existence connected to thought?

The philosopher known for the statement connecting existence to thought is René Descartes. His famous maxim, "Cogito, ergo sum," which translates to "I think, therefore I am," encapsulates the idea that the act of thinking is evidence of one’s existence. Descartes argued that while all sensory experiences could be doubted, the very act of doubt or thought confirmed one's own existence. This foundational idea plays a pivotal role in Cartesian philosophy, establishing a starting point for modern Western philosophy that emphasizes reason and the individual's capacity for self-awareness.

This contrast with the other philosophers listed is significant. Aristotle's work primarily centered around empirical observation and categorizing the natural world rather than the centrality of thought to existence. Socrates focused on ethics and the method of inquiry known as the Socratic method, which does not directly relate to the philosophical connection between existence and thought. Friedrich Nietzsche critiqued traditional notions of existence and morality, but he did not equate thought with existence in the foundational way Descartes did. Thus, Descartes stands out for his critical role in linking conscious thought to the acknowledgment of being.