Rationalism Meaning
/ˈɹæʃ(ə)nəlɪzəm/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounThe theory that reason is a source of knowledge independent of and superior to sense perception.
nounThe theory that knowledge may be derived by deductions from a priori concepts (such as axioms, postulates or earlier deductions).
Sentence Examples
The philosophy of rationalism emphasizes the power of reason.
He is a dedicated believer in the principles of rationalism.
The philosopher was a strong advocate of seventeenth-century rationalism.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The philosophy of ____ emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Descartes is considered a founding figure of modern ____, arguing that reason is the primary source of knowledge.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree English rational Proto-Indo-European *-id- Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *-idyéti Proto-Hellenic *-íďďō Ancient Greek -ῐ́ζω (-ĭ́zō) Proto-Indo-European *-mos Proto-Indo-European *-mós Ancient Greek -μός (-mós) Ancient Greek -ισμός (-ismós)der. English -ism English rationalism From rational + -ism.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The opinion opposed to mysticism in philosophy is sometimes spoken of as rationalism. Rationalism insists that all our beliefs ought ultimately to find for themselves articulate grounds. Such grounds, for rationalism, must consist of four things: (1) definitely statable abstract principles; (2) definite facts of sensation; (3) definite hypotheses based on such facts; and (4) definite inferences logically drawn."
— 1902, William James, “Lecture 3”, in The Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature […] , New York, N.Y.; London: Longmans, Green, and Co. […], →OCLC:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The philosophy of ____ emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Descartes is considered a founding figure of modern ____, arguing that reason is the primary source of knowledge.