epistemological rationalism

Rationalism is a philosophical view that emphasizes reason as the primary source and test of knowledge. Rationalists believe that reality has a logical structure and that certain truths, particularly in logic and mathematics, can be grasped directly by the intellect, independent of sense experience. This perspective contrasts with empiricism, which holds that all knowledge originates from sensory experience.1

Ancient Greek philosophers like Pythagoras, Parmenides, Plato, and Aristotle explored rationalist ideas, suggesting that fundamental truths about the universe are accessible through reason and logic. While empiricists have challenged rationalism, arguing that knowledge is derived from experience, rationalists maintain that certain truths are necessary and universal, beyond the scope of sensory perception.23