rationalism
RASH-uh-nuhl-iz-uhm
/ˈræʃənəlɪzəm/
The philosophical belief that opinion and action should be based on reason and knowledge rather than on religious belief or emotional response.
In epistemology, specifically refers to the view that reason, rather than sensory experience, is the primary source of knowledge.
The story behind the word. Latin 'ratio' originally meant a mathematical calculation or business accounting. Over time, Roman authors expanded it to mean the mental capacity for ordered thinking. Rationalism was formalized in the 17th century by thinkers who saw geometry as the ideal model for all true knowledge.
Word relationships
- intellectualism: Emphasizes use of intellect, though not strictly bound to formal logical systems.
- empiricism: Holds that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience rather than pure reason.
- irrationalism: Rejects reason as the chief instrument for understanding truth.
Commonly confused with
- rationality: Rationality is the quality of acting logically; rationalism is the philosophical doctrine that reason is the supreme source of knowledge.
Word family
- rationalist (noun): A person who adheres to rationalism.
- rational (adjective): Based on or in accordance with reason or logic.
Collocations
- philosophical rationalism
- embrace rationalism
- rationalism versus empiricism
- Enlightenment rationalism
Example sentences
- "Descartes is a key figure in Western rationalism, famously arguing that foundational truths can be deduced through thought alone." Philosophy of Mind
- "Enlightenment rationalism led thinkers to restructure political institutions around logical principles rather than feudal tradition." Political Theory
Memory hook
RATIONALISM treats your brain like a RATIONing computer that calculates facts logically. Reason is the ultimate master of truth.
When not to use
Do not use as a synonym for simple sanity or basic common sense.
Fun facts
- Continental Rationalism (Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz) was historically contrasted with British Empiricism (Locke, Berkeley, Hume).
Explore more words
nihilism, empirical, Rationality, theology, objectivity, rationalize
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.