1. (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge is acquired by reason without resort to experience
   "Plato's philosophy is often associated with rationalism";
   - intellectualism
    
2. The theological doctrine that human reason rather than divine revelation establishes religious truth
   "The philosopher advocated rationalism in approaching questions of faith"
    
3. The doctrine that reason is the right basis for regulating conduct
   "Her rationalism led her to question traditional religious beliefs";
   - freethinking, free thought

Derived forms: rationalisms

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

Encyclopedia: Rationalism