Final answer:
René Descartes contributed greatly to the scientific revolution, most notably by developing the Cartesian coordinate system and advocating for rationalism as the principal method of gaining knowledge, influencing both scientific and philosophical thought.
Step-by-step explanation:
René Descartes's major contribution to the scientific revolution included a variety of achievements, but he is perhaps most famously known for his development of the Cartesian coordinate system. His work laid the foundation for what would later be called analytical geometry, merging algebra and Euclidean geometry, which became crucial for future scientific thought and research. Descartes sought to apply rationalism and reason as the primary means of acquiring knowledge.
This approach was instrumental in the shift towards scientific thinking that characterized the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment. He posited that through the use of reason, human beings could understand the laws of nature and the physical universe, which is an idea that dramatically shifted perspectives on the nature of knowledge and the capabilities of scientific inquiry.