Rationalism

The Continental rationalists held that reason alone — independent of sensory experience — is capable of yielding certain knowledge. Modelling philosophy on mathematics, they sought a priori foundations for metaphysics, theology, and ethics, directly challenging the Aristotelian reliance on observation.

Core Ideas

Reason — not sensation — is the primary and most reliable source of knowledge

Clear and distinct ideas as the criterion of truth (Descartes)

A priori truths can be known independently of any experience

The universe follows a rational, mathematical structure knowable by the intellect

Received From

← Scholasticism

Passed Forward

Critical Philosophy →

Philosophers