Rationalism In Liberalism

Question 1

What is rationalism, who says it’s idealistic and why ? Which key thinker says the mind has no sex ans what does it mean

Answer 1

Rationalism is the trust in human logic and reason as guided to moral and political decisions, all strand of liberalism agree humans are inherently rational and autonomous, allowing them to make decisions in their best interest.

People may not always make the best decision but it is better as they take responsibility tsther then receiving instructions which interfere with their decision making.

Rationalism underpins liberal confidence in education, free speech and democratic deliberation.

Many great thinkers use rationalism to support their ideas.

Wollstonecraft- ‘the mind has no sex’ this statement means intelligence reason and rationality are not determined by gender, advocating for the empowerment of women in terms of their rationality, she’s arguing women are just as capable and rational as men therefore they should have equal rights in education and opportunity.
Conservatives and postmodernists disagree with this view on rationalism as people often act irrationally due to factors such as emotion, tradition and social condition.

key point

Rationalism supports liberal confidence in human progress.