Descartes’ ideas still matter a lot today, especially when we talk about ethics, which is about what is right and wrong. He believed that using reason, or thinking logically, is very important. This idea encourages today's thinkers to base their views on strong evidence and clear reasoning.

First, Descartes liked to question things, and this helps us think critically about our moral beliefs. By asking if our ideas about right and wrong are truly valid, today's ethical thinkers are pushed to look at different moral systems more carefully. This leads to better reasons for the choices we make about what’s right and wrong. When we reflect like this, it creates space for conversations about tough issues, including topics like bioethics (which deals with medical ethics) and artificial intelligence.

Second, Descartes is famous for saying, “I think, therefore I am.” This idea helps us think about how we make choices and take responsibility for those choices. In a world where people have many different values, recognizing that we can think and make decisions on our own reinforces how important our personal choices are in moral situations.

Also, Descartes talked a lot about the mind and body, which leads to important discussions about mental and physical health. This conversation helps us understand the moral value of a person, especially when considering how mental challenges or physical disabilities affect someone’s abilities.

In summary, even though some people have critiqued Descartes for his ideas about the mind and body, his work still plays a huge role in philosophy today. Using his ideas about rational thinking helps us gain a deeper insight into the complicated nature of ethics, ultimately improving how we handle today’s moral challenges.