Which philosophical approach centers on the belief that knowledge comes from reason and evidence?

The philosophical approach that emphasizes the belief that knowledge is derived from reason and evidence is rationalism. Rationalism posits that the intellect and logical reasoning are the primary sources of knowledge, as opposed to sensory experience. This view has been particularly influential in the development of modern philosophy, especially during the Enlightenment, when thinkers such as Descartes and Spinoza argued for the supremacy of reason in understanding the world.

Rationalism is grounded in the idea that certain truths can be known a priori, meaning they can be understood independently of experience. This aspect allows rationalists to develop theories and principles based on logical deductions rather than just empirical observations.

In contrast, empiricism, another philosophical approach, claims that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience, emphasizing observation and experimentation. Romanticism focuses on emotions and individual experience as the sources of truth, moving away from rational frameworks. Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that evaluates actions based on their outcomes and the greatest good for the greatest number, which does not directly pertain to the acquisition of knowledge. Each of these philosophies offers a distinct perspective, but rationalism is the one that specifically centers on reason and evidence as the foundations of knowledge.