rationalism Definition
- 1the belief that reason and experience rather than emotions or religious beliefs should be the basis for knowledge
- 2a philosophical movement that emerged in the 17th century, emphasizing reason and individualism over tradition and authority
Using rationalism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "rationalism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Rationalism asserts that knowledge comes from reason and experience.
Example
The Enlightenment was a time of great rationalism in Europe.
Example
Rationalism is often contrasted with empiricism, which emphasizes the role of experience in knowledge acquisition.
rationalism Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for rationalism
Antonyms for rationalism
Phrases with rationalism
a philosophical debate about the nature of knowledge and how it is acquired, with rationalism emphasizing reason and innate ideas and empiricism emphasizing experience and observation
Example
The debate between rationalism and empiricism has been ongoing for centuries.
a philosophical approach that emphasizes the role of reason and logic in understanding the world
Example
Descartes is often considered the father of rationalist philosophy.
a theological approach that emphasizes the use of reason and logic in understanding religious doctrine
Example
Some theologians have adopted a rationalist approach to interpreting scripture.
Origins of rationalism
from Latin 'ratio', meaning 'reason'
Summary: rationalism in Brief
Rationalism [ˈræʃənəlɪzəm] is a belief system that values reason and experience over emotions or religious beliefs as the basis for knowledge. It emerged as a philosophical movement in the 17th century, emphasizing reason and individualism over tradition and authority. Rationalism is often contrasted with empiricism, which emphasizes the role of experience in knowledge acquisition. The term extends into phrases like 'rationalist philosophy' and 'rationalist theology,' which emphasize the role of reason and logic in understanding the world and religious doctrine.
