rationalism
reason over emotion or faith
The belief that people should use reason and logical thinking rather than feelings, superstition, or tradition.
rationalism; a commitment to rationalism; rationalism about [something]
- The book is a defense of rationalism in an age of conspiracy theories.
- His rationalism made him suspicious of miracle cures and vague promises.
- The reformers believed that rationalism could replace inherited customs with fairer laws.
- She trusted rationalism more than superstition.
- Rationalism helped him ask for evidence before he believed the story.
reason as knowledge source
In philosophy, rationalism is the idea that important knowledge can come from reason itself, not only from what we see or experience.
rationalism; rationalism versus empiricism; rationalism about [knowledge/morality]
- In early modern philosophy, rationalism is often contrasted with empiricism.
- Descartes, Spinoza, and Leibniz are commonly associated with rationalism.
- The course compares rationalism with theories that make experience the foundation of knowledge.
- In philosophy class, we studied rationalism and empiricism.
- Rationalism says that reason can give us knowledge.
reason applied to religion
The idea that religious beliefs should make sense to human reason, not depend only on faith or religious authority.
religious rationalism; theological rationalism
- Religious rationalism led some writers to reinterpret miracles as moral lessons rather than literal events.
- The movement valued scripture but insisted that doctrines should be acceptable to reason.
- In the eighteenth century, rationalism influenced debates about revelation and church authority.
- Religious rationalism asks whether a belief is reasonable.
- It uses reason to examine religious ideas.
functional modern design style
A style of modern architecture with simple shapes, clear structure, and little decoration.
Rationalism; architectural rationalism; Italian Rationalism
- The building's clean lines and lack of ornament reflect the rationalism of the 1930s.
- Italian Rationalism combined modern materials with strict geometric order.
- The exhibition traces rationalism in architecture from housing blocks to civic buildings.
- The museum shows Rationalism with clean, simple lines.
- This building is an example of rationalism in design.
- Base: rationalism
- Plural: rationalism
cartesian rationalism
1Descartes' rationalist philosophy
The form of rationalism connected with the philosopher Descartes.
- Cartesian rationalism begins with doubt and seeks knowledge that cannot be doubted.
- The article contrasts Cartesian rationalism with the empiricism of Locke and Hume.
- Many introductions to modern philosophy start with Cartesian rationalism.
critical rationalism
1Popper's testable-knowledge philosophy
A philosophy of science that says we improve ideas by testing them and trying to find mistakes.
- Critical rationalism treats scientific theories as conjectures open to refutation.
- Her paper uses critical rationalism to explain why a failed test can be productive.
- Supporters of critical rationalism argue that no theory is beyond criticism.
economic rationalism
1market-focused economic policy
A market-based approach to economic policy, especially in Australia and New Zealand.
- Critics of economic rationalism argued that privatization had weakened public services.
- The government defended its reforms as economic rationalism, not ideology.
- In Australian political debate, economic rationalism became a label for market-oriented reform.
enlightenment rationalism
1Enlightenment faith in reason
The Enlightenment belief that reason could help people understand and improve the world.
- The constitution reflects Enlightenment rationalism in its faith in law, debate, and individual rights.
- Some critics say Enlightenment rationalism underestimated the power of emotion and culture.
- The museum links the scientific revolution to the rise of Enlightenment rationalism.
rationalism versus empiricism
1reason against experience debate
A philosophy debate about whether knowledge comes mainly from reason or from experience.
- The lecture introduced rationalism versus empiricism as a central debate in early modern philosophy.
- Students often find rationalism vs. empiricism easier to understand through examples from mathematics and science.
- Her essay argues that the old opposition of rationalism versus empiricism is too simple.
scientific rationalism
1science-guided rational worldview
The belief that science, evidence, and reason are the best guides to truth.
- The organization promotes scientific rationalism and campaigns against medical misinformation.
- His scientific rationalism made him impatient with astrology and miracle cures.
- The book presents scientific rationalism as an alternative to superstition.