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Noun: rationalism  'ra-shu-nu,li-zum
  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, free thought

Derived forms: rationalisms

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

Encyclopedia: Rationalism