rationalism

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge is acquired by reason without resort to experience
noun the theological doctrine that human reason rather than divine revelation establishes religious truth
noun the doctrine that reason is the right basis for regulating conduct

From rational + -ism.

Rationalism is the great evil of the day. — Apologia pro vita sua : $b being a history of his religious opinions, John Henry Newman
But for mechanical rationalism, personality is an insubstantial illusion. — The Will to Believe, and Other Essays in Popular Philosophy, William James
Dr. Beswick's rationalism on the subject rose to trouble her. — The Faith Doctor: A Story of New York, Edward Eggleston

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