Understanding Rationalism
Rationalism is the philosophical stance that reason is the chief source of knowledge. It suggests that reality has an intrinsically logical structure, and that a rational mind can understand it through logical reasoning.
History and Origins
Emerging from the Enlightenment era, figures like Descartes, Spinoza, and Leibniz laid down the tenets of rationalism. This belief fueled a myriad of scientific and mathematical advances, fundamentally shaping the modern world.
Core Principles
- Reason as the primary source of knowledge.
- Belief in innate ideas and deduction.
- Skepticism about the reliability of sensory experience.
Want to dive deeper? Check out our detailed exploration of Rationalism's History 👈