1. people who believe that reason and logic should be the primary basis for knowledge and decision-making
Usage: philosophy
2. followers of rationalism, the philosophical doctrine that knowledge comes primarily from reason rather than sensory experience
Usage: philosophy; academic

Examples

• The rationalists argued that mathematical truths could be discovered through pure reasoning.
• Descartes and Spinoza were famous rationalists of the 17th century.
• The debate between rationalists and empiricists shaped modern philosophy.
• Many rationalists believe that some knowledge is innate rather than learned.
• The rationalists in the group preferred logical analysis over emotional appeals.
• Ancient Greek rationalists like Plato emphasized the power of human reason.