The phrase “I think, therefore I am” is one of the most recognisable in the history of philosophy, credited to René Descartes. But beyond its fame lies a deeper connection to a philosophical approach called Rationalism.
In the video above, I unpack what Rationalism truly is, how it is used in today’s modern society and how it is the corner stone to the development of western civilisation.
Rationalism, at its core, is the view that logic—not sensory experience—is the primary source of knowledge.
Rationalists argue that certain truths are either innate or discoverable through intellectual reflection alone.
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The Rationalist Revolution and Western Civilisation
Rationalism played a pivotal role in shaping Western civilisation. The Enlightenment, often referred to as the Age of Reason, was driven by Rationalist principles. Thinkers like Descartes, Locke, and Kant championed reason as the path to progress, leading to advances in science, the development of democratic institutions, and the establishment of human rights.
Rationalist thinking built the framework for modern constitutional democracies by arguing that human rights and ethical principles could be derived through reason, rather than religious dogma or tradition. It also fuelled the scientific revolution, encouraging thinkers to rely on logical deduction and experimentation to uncover truths about the universe.
Why Rationalism is Crucial in today’s world
Today, the relevance of Rationalism is striking. We’re facing an age of information overload, polarised political landscapes, and unprecedented technological advances like artificial intelligence (AI). These challenges require clear, reasoned thinking more than ever.
1. Misinformation and Political Polarisation
Misinformation spreads faster than truth, whether it is coming from people online who haven’t done enough research and have been persuaded by others or the institutions themselves pushing paid for narratives.
Which ever side you believe it is, this is eroding trust in institutions and dividing the social cohesion of society.
Rationalism’s commitment to critical thinking and reason offers a solution.
By encouraging individuals to evaluate evidence logically rather than relying on emotional appeals or echo chambers, Rationalism can help rebuild trust in shared fundamental truths.
2. Artificial Intelligence and Ethical Challenges
AI has become a defining force of our time, but its development raises complex ethical questions:
Who controls AI?
How do we ensure it operates fairly?
Can it replace human reasoning?
Rationalism is essential here.
It provides a framework for evaluating AI’s implications through reasoned ethical principles rather than fear or profit-driven motives.
Rationalist ideas also underpin the logical systems that make AI possible, proving its relevance in both theory and practice.
3. Rationalism and Mental Health: Tackling Anxiety and Depression.
In 2024, anxiety and depression are reaching epidemic levels, fuelled by a world of uncertainty, social comparison, and information overload. While mental health is multifaceted and deeply personal, Rationalism offers a perspective that can help individuals navigate their inner struggles with clarity and purpose.
Rationalism encourages us to question automatic thoughts and emotional reactions, much like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is rooted in similar principles.
For example, if someone feels overwhelmed by a perceived failure, Rationalism invites them to step back and examine the situation logically: Is this failure as catastrophic as it feels? What evidence supports or contradicts this belief?
This emphasis on introspection and reason can empower individuals to disentangle their emotions from distorted perceptions, helping them regain control over their mental state.
Rationalisms focus on self-awareness mirrors the practice of mindfulness, offering tools for individuals to reflect on their thoughts and make deliberate choices rather than succumbing to emotional spirals.
Moreover, Rationalist philosophy promotes the idea of intrinsic worth and resilience. Descartes’ insight—“I think, therefore I am”—reminds us that our existence and value are not contingent on external circumstances.
This can be a grounding perspective for those grappling with feelings of inadequacy or uncertainty in a world that often prioritises appearance, achievement, and material success.
By encouraging clear, reasoned thinking and fostering a sense of intrinsic stability, Rationalism offers a philosophical toolset for addressing the challenges of anxiety and depression in an increasingly complex world.
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A Call for Rationalism in Modern Society
In a world where emotion often overshadows reason and where technology is advancing faster than ethical frameworks can adapt, Rationalism offers a compass. Descartes’ “I think, therefore I am” epitomises the power of introspection and logical analysis, challenging us to ground our decisions in rationality.
Western civilisation as we know it owes much of its progress to Rationalist principles—principles that fostered democracy, scientific breakthroughs, and human rights. But these achievements are not guaranteed to persist without continued commitment to reason and logic.
I hope you enjoy the video…
~ Diogo.
Recommended Books:
Rene Descartes: Discourse on the Method and Meditations on First Philosophy
Christian Rationalism: A dissidence with Kardecism
The Rationalists: Descartes: Discourse on Method & Meditations; Spinoza: Ethics; Leibniz: Monadology & Discourse on Metaphysics
