How did Descartes's ideas affect scientists during the Scientific Revolution? His philosophical approach was ignored by many scientists because it was not based in experimentation. Scientists viewed one's mind as controlled and determined by the state of one's body. Scientists viewed matter as something that could be investigated indepen- dently by using reason. His emphasis on doubt made scientists focus more closely on the works of classical Greece and Rome.

René Descartes played a significant role during the Scientific Revolution by introducing a philosophical framework that emphasized the use of reason and mathematical principles to understand the natural world. Among the options you've provided, the most accurate reflection of Descartes's impact is: **Scientists viewed matter as something that could be investigated independently by using reason.** ### Explanation: 1. **Emphasis on Rationalism:** Descartes advocated for *rationalism*, the idea that reason is the primary source of knowledge, as opposed to empirical methods alone. This approach encouraged scientists to rely more on logical deduction and mathematical models to explore and explain natural phenomena. 2. **Mechanistic View of Nature:** He proposed that the universe operates like a machine, governed by physical laws that can be understood through systematic inquiry. This perspective laid the groundwork for the development of classical mechanics and influenced scientists to seek underlying principles governing matter and motion. 3. **Mind-Body Dualism:** While Descartes did introduce the concept of mind-body dualism, suggesting that the mind and body are separate entities, this idea had a more profound impact on philosophy and psychology rather than directly shaping scientific methods during the Scientific Revolution. 4. **Approach to Classical Texts:** Contrary to the option stating that his emphasis on doubt led scientists to focus more on classical Greece and Rome, Descartes actually encouraged moving beyond classical authorities by questioning established knowledge and seeking new foundations based on reason. Overall, Descartes's reliance on reason and his mechanistic view of the universe significantly influenced the scientific methods of the time, promoting a more systematic and mathematical approach to scientific investigation. **Answer:** Scientists came to view matter as something that could be investigated independently by using reason, reflecting Descartes’s emphasis on rational inquiry.