General Definition: What is Rationalism?
Rationalism is based on knowledge which is based on reason and logic. It is based on facts rather than experience, in order to achieve a pre-definite goal. Rationalism is often a selfish decision making because there are no emotions or feelings involved, to be the most effective possible without caring about the future of other countries following this rational decision.
Rationalism according to Descartes
Descartes was one of the most influential philosophers in the 17th century and said that rationalism is based on mathematical hypothesis and demonstrations. According to him, maths are the basis to do scientifical research; through maths, you can get knowledge, and therefore think reasonably and logically (rationalism). Then, one can do science and apply this knowledge to gain experience.
Rationalism according to Kant
Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) is the central figure in modern philosophy. He synthesized early modern rationalism and empiricism, set the terms for much of nineteenth and twentieth-century philosophy, and continues to exercise a significant influence today in metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, political philosophy, aesthetics, and other fields. He argues that the human understanding is the source of the general laws of nature that structure all our experience; and that human reason gives itself the moral law, which is our basis for belief in God, freedom, and immortality. Therefore, scientific knowledge, morality, and religious belief are mutually consistent and secure, because they all rest on the same foundation of human autonomy, which is also the final end of nature according to the teleological worldview of reflecting the judgment that Kant introduces to unify the theoretical and practical parts of his philosophical system.
Example of Rationalism: United Kingdom (Brexit)
The UK decided to leave the European Union (Brexit), and it was a rational decision since they wanted to stop the flow of people coming into the country, and they feel like they will be better off in terms of trades and treaties. When the UK took this decision, they did not think about the impact it could have on the immigrants trying to access this country in order to save their lives from their own country. Also, they decided to leave because they are persuaded that it will benefit the United Kingdom to be more powerful, independent, and to keep the resources for the population.
Example of Rationalism: China
China is very rational in term of economic development and pollution. Indeed, China first started developing its economy and through its economic development, new industries, and extremely heavy coal production, air pollution and other disastrous environmental hazards have occurred. When China decided to do everything to be more powerful and important compared to other countries, they made the decision not to be preoccupied with pollution and other environmental problems. This choice was rational because China cared about its standing within the global economy in first place, and not about the people’s health.
Example about Russia
Russia is a great example of a country that uses rationalism in the 21st century. One clear example of such a decision style can be found in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. It was a purely rational decision for Russia to occupy a part of Ukraine. The reasons were both military and social: it has one of the most important Russian fleets “Black Sea Fleet”, and one of the most famous recreation area of the USSR. Even though Russia worsened relationships with some countries, this act was necessary for the internal politics.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rationalism
https://www.britannica.com/topic/rationalism
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