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1. (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge is acquired by reason without resort to experience
   - intellectualism
    
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