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antirationalism

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌæntiˈræʃənəlɪzəm/

KK: /æntiˈræʃənəlɪzəm/

noun
Definition

A belief or philosophy that rejects the idea that reason and logic are the primary sources of knowledge and understanding.


Example

Antirationalism challenges the notion that human reason can fully explain the complexities of life.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of antirationalism?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's that philosophy that goes against rationalism, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! I find it interesting how it challenges traditional ways of thinking.
Sloth B
For sure, it really opens up a lot of debates about knowledge and belief.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
irrationalism
emotivism
subjectivism
Antonyms
rationalism
logic
reason
Root Explanation

Antirationalism is formed from "anti-" (meaning against) and "rationalism" (from Latin "rationalis", meaning reasonable or logical, and "ratio", meaning reason). The term describes a belief system that opposes or critiques the principles of rational thought and reason.

Memory Tip

Think of 'against' ('anti-') the idea of being 'reasonable' ('rationalism') — that's what antirationalism means.

Visually Confused Words
irrationalism
rationalism
nationalism
internationalism
inspirationalism
traditionalism
pannationalism
intuitionalism
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