rationalism

Rationalism is the practice of only believing what is based on reason.

(noun)

An example of rationalism is not believing in the supernatural.

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See rationalism in Webster's New World College Dictionary

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

Origin: rational + -ism

Related Forms:

See rationalism in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. Reliance on reason as the best guide for belief and action.
  2. Philosophy The theory that the exercise of reason, rather than experience, authority, or spiritual revelation, provides the primary basis for knowledge.

Related Forms:

  • raˈtion·al·ist noun
  • raˌtion·al·isˈtic adjective
  • raˌtion·al·isˈti·cal·ly adverb

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