Difference between revisions of "Rationalism"

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[[Rationalism]] is a philosophical doctrine which asserts that fundamental truths about the nature of reality are best discovered by reason and factual analysis rather than other methods, such as [[faith]] (i.e. belief in a relationship with a deity or other supernatural entities) or careful study of existing [[doctrine]]. (Belief that existing doctrine is more significant than the study of empirical reality essentially satisfies the definition of [[dogma]], i.e. that said doctrine is infallible and cannot meaningfully be questioned.)
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[[category:isms]]
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[[category:concepts]]
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[[File:Rationalism-Not-Dead-Yet.jpg|right|400px]]
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==Overview==
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[[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]].
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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]].
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
What is the distinction between Rationalism and [[Wikipedia:Positivism (philosophy)|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?
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What is the distinction between rationalism and [[Wikipedia:Positivism (philosophy)|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?
==Reference==
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==Related Pages==
* {{wikipedia|Rationalism}}
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* [[Rationalism]] holds that [[reason]] is the best method by which to derive [[knowledge]].
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* [[Rationality]] is the quality of being [[rational]].
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* [[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.
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* The concept of [[rationalization]] is often conflated with [[rationalism]] and [[rationality]].
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==Links==
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===Reference===
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* Wikipedia: [[wikipedia:Rationalism|Rationalism]] | [[wikipedia:Rationalist movement|Rationalist movement]] | [[wikipedia:Rationality|Rationality]]
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* {{conservapedia}} apparently finds the following [[Biblical]] quote relevant: "Test all things; hold fast what is good."
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* {{dkosopedia}} site down, can't verify page (as of 2008-06-10)
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* <s>{{sourcewatch}}</s>[[category:!sourcewatch]] no equivalent page (as of 2008-06-10)

Latest revision as of 01:42, 30 September 2011

Rationalism-Not-Dead-Yet.jpg

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

Links

Reference