# Archimedes — Philosophical Works character guide

> Archimedes in Philosophical Works by René Descartes.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Archimedes

**First appearance:** 0009-meditation-ii-of-the-nature-of-the-human-mind-and-that-it-is-more-easily-known-than-the-body

## Who they are

Ancient mathematician used as an example of certain knowledge and method.

## In the story

### [Dedication](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/philosophical_works_se/chapters/dedication)

Mentioned as an example of a geometer whose demonstrations, though certain, are understood by few.

### [Meditation II: Of the Nature of the Human Mind; and That It Is More Easily Known Than the Body](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/philosophical_works_se/chapters/meditation-ii-of-the-nature-of-the-human-mind-and-that-it-is-more-easily-known-than-the-body)

Archimedes is invoked as an analogy: just as he sought a firm point to move the earth, Descartes seeks one certain truth to ground knowledge.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/philosophical_works_se/characters/archimedes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/philosophical_works_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/philosophical_works_se/characters