Rationalism Crash Course

Rationalism is a school of philosophy that emphasizes the use of reason to discover truth and knowledge. It is considered one of the Big Three branches of Western philosophy, along with empiricism and idealism. Rationalism originated in the 17th century, during the Enlightenment period, when philosophers began to focus on the use of reason as the primary source of knowledge. The most prominent figure of this new philosophy was the French mathematician Rene Descartes. Rationalism is based on three core principles. First, that reason is the only reliable source of knowledge; second, that knowledge can come from reason alone; and third, that logical principles should be used to argue and prove facts. The core tenets of rationalism are often referred to as the Cartesian Method. In his works, Descartes set forth the rationale for using the Cartesian Method, which aims to use logical thinking and reasoning to discover facts and knowledge. Descartes believed that, by using his method, one could find true and certain knowledge. Rationalism was widely embraced during the Enlightenment period, and it remains one of the dominant philosophical perspectives. It rejects faith-based approaches to knowledge and truth, instead emphasizing the power of logical reasoning. It also encourages individuals to think for themselves and develop their own opinions and beliefs, as opposed to taking a more authoritarian approach to knowledge. Rationalism can be applied to many fields, from science and mathematics to politics and ethics. It is often used as an argumentative tool, providing a logical foundation on which to build an argument or make a claim. It can also be used to support a variety of ethical positions, such as the utilitarian view of maximizing the good for the greatest number. Rationalism is still used today, both in everyday life and in academic fields. Its emphasis on logical reasoning and empirical evidence makes it a popular philosophical framework. While it has its critics, rationalism remains one of the most prominent philosophical perspectives.