Difference between revisions of "Rationalism"
(observation; science) |
|||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | [[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.) | + | [[Rationalism]] is a philosophical doctrine which asserts that fundamental truths about the nature of reality are best discovered by reason and factual analysis of observations 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.) |
| + | |||
| + | Rationalism is the philosophy upon which [[science]] is based, and from which scientific practices and techniques have evolved. | ||
==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? | 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== | ==Reference== | ||
* {{wikipedia|Rationalism}} | * {{wikipedia|Rationalism}} | ||
Revision as of 14:32, 14 February 2007
Rationalism is a philosophical doctrine which asserts that fundamental truths about the nature of reality are best discovered by reason and factual analysis of observations 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.)
Rationalism is the philosophy upon which science is based, and from which scientific practices and techniques have evolved.
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?