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1. (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge is acquired by reason without resort to experience
    
2. The theological doctrine that human reason rather than divine revelation establishes religious truth
    
3. The doctrine that reason is the right basis for regulating conduct
   - freethinking

Derived forms: rationalisms

See also: rationalist, rationalistic

Type of: doctrine, ism, philosophical doctrine, philosophical system, philosophical theory, philosophy, school of thought, theological doctrine

Encyclopedia: Rationalism