Rationalism: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿง 
Add to dictionary

rationalism

 

[ หˆrรฆสƒษ™หŒnษ™lษชzษ™m ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

philosophy

Rationalism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes the role of reason in understanding the world. It asserts that reason, rather than sensory experience, is the primary source of knowledge. Rationalists believe that certain concepts and knowledge are innate and can be discovered through intellectual deduction. This approach contrasts with empiricism, which emphasizes observation and experience as the pathways to knowledge.

Synonyms

intellectualism, logical thought, reasoning

Examples of usage

  • Rationalism contrasts with empiricism.
  • Many philosophers identified with rationalism.
  • Rationalism advocates for the power of human reason.
  • In rationalism, innate ideas play a crucial role.

Translations

Translations of the word "rationalism" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น racionalismo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฏเคฅเคพเคฐเฅเคฅเคตเคพเคฆ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Rationalismus

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ rasionalisme

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั€ะฐั†ั–ะพะฝะฐะปั–ะทะผ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ racjonalizm

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅˆ็†ไธป็พฉ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท rationalisme

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ racionalismo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท rasyonalizm

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ•ฉ๋ฆฌ์ฃผ์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุนู‚ู„ุงู†ูŠุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ racionalismus

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ racionalizmus

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็†ๆ€งไธปไน‰

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ racionalizem

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ rationalismi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั€ะฐั†ะธะพะฝะฐะปะธะทะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ แƒแƒชแƒ˜แƒแƒœแƒแƒšแƒ˜แƒ–แƒ›แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ rasyonalizm

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ racionalismo

Etymology

The term 'rationalism' originates from the Latin word 'ratio', meaning 'reason' or 'calculation'. It became prominent during the 17th century, particularly in the context of Enlightenment thinking. Key figures associated with rationalism include Renรฉ Descartes, Baruch Spinoza, and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. Descartes famously mentioned 'Cogito, ergo sum' ('I think, therefore I am') to emphasize the importance of reason. The movement sought to develop knowledge through principles derived from rational thought, rather than sensory experiences. Rationalism played a crucial role in shaping modern philosophy and science, challenging previously dominant ideas grounded in superstition and tradition. Over time, it has influenced various areas, including ethics, politics, and epistemology.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,448, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.