Meditations on First Philosophy is a philosophical treatise by René Descartes first published in 1641 (in Latin). The book is made up of six meditations, in which Descartes first discards all belief in things that are not absolutely certain, and then tries to establish what can be known for sure.One of the most influential philosophical texts ever written, it is widely read to this day.

René Descartes (31 March 1596 – 11 February 1650) was a French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist. Dubbed the father of modern western philosophy, much of subsequent Western philosophy is a response to his writings,which are studied closely to this day.He is generally considered one of the most notable intellectual representatives of the Dutch Golden Age.