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rationalism definition

ra·tion·al·ism (ras̸h′ən əl iz′əm)

noun

  1. the principle or practice of accepting reason as the only authority in determining one's opinions or course of action
  2. Philos. the doctrine that knowledge comes from the intellect in itself without aid from the senses; intellectualism

Etymology: rational + -ism

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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