What does rationalism emphasize in the context of the Enlightenment?

Rationalism, within the context of the Enlightenment, emphasizes the belief that reason and logic are the primary sources of knowledge. Enlightenment thinkers promoted the idea that human beings could understand and improve the world through rational thought and scientific reasoning rather than relying solely on established traditions, religious faith, or emotional responses. This shift in thinking encouraged individuals to question accepted norms and seek knowledge through empirical evidence and logical deduction.

Rationalism marked a significant departure from earlier forms of thought that prioritized faith, cultural traditions, or emotional intuition as pathways to understanding the world. Enlightenment philosophers such as René Descartes and Baruch Spinoza championed rationalism, arguing that true knowledge must be grounded in reason, thereby laying the foundation for modern scientific inquiry and critical thinking. This perspective significantly shaped the intellectual landscape of the time and continues to influence contemporary thought.