Rationalism

Rationalism is any view appealing to reason as a source of knowledge or justification.

It is the basis of the rationalist movement, 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 or careful study of existing doctrine.

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?

Reference

• Wikipedia: Rationalism | Rationalist movement | Rationality

Notes

Should "rationality" be a separate article?