Definition of the word rationalism

The term "rationalism" originated in the 17th century from the Latin word "ratio," meaning "reason." The concept of rationalism was developed by philosophers such as René Descartes, John Locke, and Immanuel Kant, who emphasized the role of reason in understanding the world and believing knowledge claims. Rationalism is characterized by a focus on the use of reason and evidence-based thinking to arrive at knowledge and truth, rather than relying on faith, intuition, or sensory experience. In the 17th and 18th centuries, rationalism became a dominant philosophical movement, influencing fields such as mathematics, science, and philosophy. The term "rationalist" was first used by French philosopher Pierre Bayle in the late 17th century to describe thinkers who sought to establish a scientific and systematic understanding of the world based on reason. Since then, the term has been used to describe a range of philosophical and intellectual movements that emphasize the importance of reason and evidence-based thinking.