RATIONALISM

rationalism, freethinking

(noun) the doctrine that reason is the right basis for regulating conduct

rationalism

(noun) (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge is acquired by reason without resort to experience

rationalism

(noun) the theological doctrine that human reason rather than divine revelation establishes religious truth

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

rationalism (countable and uncountable, plural rationalisms)

(philosophy) The theory that the reason is a source of knowledge independent of and superior to sense perception.

(philosophy) The theory that knowledge may be derived by deductions from a priori concepts (such as axioms, postulates or earlier deductions).

A view that the fundamental method for problem solving is through reason and experience rather than faith, inspiration, revelation, intuition or authority.

Elaboration of theories by use of reason alone without appeal to experience, such as in mathematical systems.

Synonyms

• apriorism

• intellectualism

Antonyms

• sensationalism

• irrationalism

• traditionalism

• mysticism

Source: Wiktionary

Ra"tion*al*ism, n. Etym: [Cf. F. rationalisme.]

1. (Theol.)

Definition: The doctrine or system of those who deduce their religious opinions from reason or the understanding, as distinct from, or opposed to, revelation.

2. (Philos.)

Definition: The system that makes rational power the ultimate test of truth; -- opposed to sensualism, or sensationalism, and empiricism. Fleming.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition