Definition

1. Noun:
   • A philosophical doctrine emphasizing reason as the primary source of knowledge and truth: Rationalism is the belief that reason and logical analysis, rather than sensory experience (empiricism) or religious faith, are the most reliable foundations for understanding reality, acquiring knowledge, and determining truth.
   • The principle of basing opinions and actions on reason and logic: In a general sense, rationalism refers to the practice of regulating conduct, beliefs, or systems according to rational principles rather than emotion, tradition, or authority.
   • A theological viewpoint: In theology, rationalism is the doctrine that religious truth should be, or can be, established by human reason and intellect, independent of divine revelation or sacred texts.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The philosopher Descartes is a central figure in the history of rationalism.
  • His approach to ethics was grounded in rationalism, arguing that moral laws could be deduced by logic.
  • Theological rationalism often contrasts with doctrines based solely on faith or scriptural authority.

Advanced Usage

• "Cartesian rationalism": Specifically refers to the philosophy of René Descartes, which emphasizes the use of methodical doubt and pure reason as the starting point for certain knowledge.
  • The course focused on the foundations of Cartesian rationalism.
• "Enlightenment rationalism": Refers to the intellectual movement of the 17th and 18th centuries that championed reason, science, and individualism over tradition and religious dogma.
  • Enlightenment rationalism had a profound impact on political and social thought.

Variants and Related Words

• Rationalist (noun): A person who believes in or advocates rationalism.
  • He was a staunch rationalist who dismissed claims not supported by evidence.
• Rationalistic (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of rationalism.
  • Her rationalistic worldview left little room for mysticism.

Synonyms

• Reasoning: The process of thinking about something in a logical way.
• Intellectualism: The exercise of the intellect at the expense of the emotions; a philosophy emphasizing the role of the intellect.
• Logicism: (In a philosophical context) The view that mathematics can be reduced to formal logic.

Antonyms

• Empiricism: The theory that all knowledge is derived from sense-experience.
• Fideism: The doctrine that knowledge depends on faith or revelation.
• Mysticism: Belief in the possibility of attaining knowledge of spiritual truths through intuition or insight, unrelated to reason.

Noun

1. the doctrine that reason is the right basis for regulating conduct
2. the theological doctrine that human reason rather than divine revelation establishes religious truth
3. (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge is acquired by reason without resort to experience