Rationality

In philosophy, the word rationality has been used to describe numerous religious and philosophical theories, especially those concerned with truth, reason, and knowledge. Persons believing in a non-material conception of the self such as the mind or soul, understand rationality to be a key feature separating humans from animals. Continental rationalism is a school in which rationality and reason are the key methods by which we obtain knowledge, in opposition to empiricism which states that knowledge is obtained primarily via the senses.

Use of the term rational

In a number of kinds of speech, "rational" may also denote a hodge-podge of generally positive attributes, including:

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• reasonable: "having sound judgement" (Webster's)
• reasonable: "not extreme or excessive" (Webster's)
• justifiable on the basis of reason (as opposed to tradition or emotional grounds). (logical)
• not foolish
• sane
• good

Useful contrasts may include:

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• rational vs. emotional
• rational vs. creative
• rational vs. spiritual
• reason vs. divine truth