Who is credited with the statement "I think therefore I am"?

The statement "I think therefore I am" is attributed to René Descartes, a French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist. This phrase, originally expressed in Latin as "Cogito, ergo sum," represents a fundamental element of Western philosophy and serves as a foundational statement in Descartes' work. It encapsulates the idea that the very act of thinking is proof of one's existence; in other words, if one is able to think, then one must exist in some form to perform that act of thinking.

This statement emerged during the 17th century, a time when Descartes sought to establish a secure foundation for scientific knowledge amidst the uncertainties of the period. His method of doubt led him to conclude that while he could doubt the existence of everything else, he could not doubt the existence of himself as a thinking being. This profound realization became a key point in his philosophical arguments and has had a lasting impact on discussions about consciousness and identity.

In contrast, the other philosophers listed—Kant, Plato, and Hume—each contributed significantly to philosophy but did not formulate this specific statement. Kant focused on epistemology and ethics, Plato explored forms and idealism, and Hume is known for his empiricism and skepticism, none