rationalism
RASH-uh-nuh-liz-um
/ˈræʃənəlɪzəm/
The practice or principle of basing opinions and actions on reason and knowledge rather than on religious belief or emotional response.
In epistemology, it specifically claims that intellect—rather than sensory experience (empiricism)—is the primary source of truth.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin ratio ('reckoning, reason, calculation'). In the 17th century, thinkers like René Descartes and Baruch Spinoza built philosophical systems on deductive mathematical logic, leading historians to label their movement rationalism.
Word relationships
- intellectualism: 'Intellectualism' values academic inquiry, whereas 'rationalism' specifically asserts logic as the supreme test of truth.
- empiricism: 'Empiricism' bases truth strictly on sensory observation and experimentation rather than pure deduction.
- fideism: 'Fideism' holds that revelation and religious faith are independent of and superior to reason.
Commonly confused with
- rationality: 'Rationality' is the everyday state of thinking logically; 'rationalism' is the formal philosophical doctrine.
Word family
- rationalist (noun): One who adheres to rationalism.
- rational (adjective): Based on or in accordance with reason.
Collocations
- philosophical rationalism
- embrace rationalism
- Cartesian rationalism
- scientific rationalism
Example sentences
- "Descartes is famous in Western philosophy for introducing Enlightenment rationalism through his fundamental premise: I think, therefore I am." Philosophy of Science
- "Enlightenment thinkers used rationalism to challenge the inherited authority of divine-right monarchies." Political Discourse
Memory hook
RATIO + NALISM: Using logical ratios and reason to weigh every truth. Reason is the ultimate ruler.
When not to use
Do not use simply to mean 'being sensible'; it refers to a rigorous philosophical commitment to logic.
Fun facts
- Baruch Spinoza was excommunicated from his synagogue in 1656 partly due to his uncompromising rationalism regarding biblical texts.
Related words
Explore more words
nihilism, empirical, Rationality, theology, objectivity, rationalize
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