Rationalism, also known as the rationalist movement, is a philosophical doctrine that asserts that the truth should be determined by reason and factual analysis, rather than faith, dogma or religious teaching. Rationalism has some similarities in ideology and intent to secular humanism and atheism, in that it aims to provide a framework for social and philosophical discourse outside of religious or supernatural beliefs. However, rationalism differs from both of these philosophies, in that:

• Humanism, as its name suggests, is centered around human society and achievements. Rationalism makes no claims that humans are more important than animals or any other part of nature. There are some rationalists who strongly oppose the human-centric philosophy of humanism.

• Atheism asserts that there is no god; rationalism makes no statement either way regarding the actual existence of god although it rejects any belief based on faith alone. Although there is a strong atheistic influence in modern rationalism, with prominent rational scientists such as Richard Dawkins holding atheistic beliefs, not all rationalists are atheists, and there is a greater compatibility with agnosticism (which asserts that the existence of god is irrelevant or indeterminable) than strong atheism.

During the middle of the twentieth century there was a strong tradition of organised rationalism, which was particularly influenced by British intellectuals such as Bertrand Russell.

Modern rationalism has little in common with the historical philosophy of continental rationalism expounded by Descartes. Indeed, a reliance on empirical science is often considered a hallmark of modern rationalism, whereas Continental Rationalism rejected empiricism entirely.

See also: freethought, skepticism

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