Rationalism is defined as a philosophical movement, which developed in Europe (France) between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Its creator was René Descartes. This philosophical current is based on reason as the primary cause for the capture of knowledge. The idea of rationalism is contrary to empiricism, which is based on experience and practice. Descartes supported the theory that only reason could reveal universal realities, and that this could happen because these realities were natural and did not derive from previous experiences.
Among the main characteristic features with which the rationalist approach can be summarized is that together with empiricism, they served as the basis for the emergence of another movement called illustration, also the mechanism of the universe, of the creation of doctrines such as fatalism, Platonism gnoseological and atomism. As well as the use of the logical-mathematical method to explain the reasoning.
The term rationalism maintains that the base of knowledge centers on reason, refuting the idea of the senses, since these can lead to mistakes. He defends the exact sciences, for example mathematics, using the deductive method, as the main mechanism to reach true understanding.
In ethics, rationalism is the assertion that moral principles are natural to the human being, and that these principles are indisputable in themselves to the rational faculty. In the philosophy of religion it is confirmed that the fundamental ideas of religion are natural in themselves, and that revelation is not necessary. This approach has led rationalism to adopt an antireligious role.
