rationalism

Noun
Synonyms: freethinking

WordNet 3.0

Noun (3)

  1. (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge is acquired by reason without resort to experience
  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 conductSynonyms: freethinking
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Rationalism \Ra"tion*al*ism\ (r[a^]sh"[u^]n*al*[i^]z'm), n. [Cf. F. rationalisme.]

1.(Theol.) The doctrine or system of those who deduce their religious opinions from reason or the understanding, as distinct from, or opposed to, revelation. [1913 Webster]

2.(Philos.) The system that makes rational power the ultimate test of truth; -- opposed to sensualism, or sensationalism, and empiricism. --Fleming. [1913 Webster]

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