Rationalism

by J. M. (John Mackinnon) Robertson

"Rationalism" by J. M. Robertson is a philosophical treatise written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the evolution and implications of rationalism as a philosophical stance, contrasting it with various forms of religious belief and traditional authority. It examines the intellectual commitment to reason and critical thinking, addressing the challenges and critiques that rationalism faces from religious perspectives. The opening of "Rationalism" establishes the foundation of the term 'rationalism,' which has taken on varied meanings over the past three hundred years. Robertson discusses how the term has been applied historically to different philosophical perspectives and how it has evolved to denote a tendency towards private judgment against established beliefs, especially in the realm of religion. He also highlights the critical role of reason in evaluating beliefs and the potential biases that come into play in these judgments, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of rationalism's relationship to ethics, religion, and science throughout the rest of the work.