Difference between revisions of "Rationalism"
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
− | + | [[Rationalism]] is the view that [[rational]] thinking – i.e. [[reason]]ing from available data – is the only sane justification for action, and the best way of determining [[truth]]. | |
It can also be seen as a philosophical doctrine which asserts that fundamental truths about the nature of reality are best discovered by [[reason]] and analysis of [[fact]]ual [[observation]]s rather than any other method, such as [[faith]], adherence to [[tradition]], or careful study of existing [[doctrine]] or [[scripture]]. | It can also be seen as a philosophical doctrine which asserts that fundamental truths about the nature of reality are best discovered by [[reason]] and analysis of [[fact]]ual [[observation]]s rather than any other method, such as [[faith]], adherence to [[tradition]], or careful study of existing [[doctrine]] or [[scripture]]. | ||
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* [[Rationality]] is the quality of being [[rational]]. | * [[Rationality]] is the quality of being [[rational]]. | ||
* [[Science]] is essentially the application of [[rationalism]] towards developing a body of knowledge and a set of tools for minimizing error in (and removing error from) that knowledge. | * [[Science]] is essentially the application of [[rationalism]] towards developing a body of knowledge and a set of tools for minimizing error in (and removing error from) that knowledge. | ||
+ | * The concept of [[rationalization]] is often conflated with [[rationalism]] and [[rationality]]. | ||
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==Links== | ==Links== | ||
===Reference=== | ===Reference=== |
Latest revision as of 01:42, 30 September 2011
Overview
Rationalism is the view that rational thinking – i.e. reasoning from available data – is the only sane justification for action, and the best way of determining truth.
It can also be seen as a philosophical doctrine which asserts that fundamental truths about the nature of reality are best discovered by reason and analysis of factual observations rather than any other method, such as faith, adherence to tradition, or careful study of existing doctrine or scripture.
Notes
What is the distinction between rationalism and positivism? The "key features" listed seem like a pretty definitive/universal explanation of how science works, which I would think would be a basic part of rationalism -- but perhaps there are rationalists who don't consider science to be essential?
Related Pages
- Rationalism holds that reason is the best method by which to derive knowledge.
- Rationality is the quality of being rational.
- Science is essentially the application of rationalism towards developing a body of knowledge and a set of tools for minimizing error in (and removing error from) that knowledge.
- The concept of rationalization is often conflated with rationalism and rationality.
Links
Reference
- Wikipedia: Rationalism | Rationalist movement | Rationality
- Conservapedia apparently finds the following Biblical quote relevant: "Test all things; hold fast what is good."
- dKosopedia site down, can't verify page (as of 2008-06-10)
SourceWatchno equivalent page (as of 2008-06-10)