rationalist crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! You've landed on the most comprehensive page for the crossword clue "rationalist crossword clue". Below, you'll find all possible answers, organized by their letter count, along with concise explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Let's find your solution!
Solutions for "rationalist crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
DEIST: A believer in Deism, a philosophical viewpoint which asserts that reason and observation of the natural world are sufficient to determine the existence of a creator, often associated with Enlightenment-era rationalism.
7 Letters
THINKER: One who thinks, especially one who is adept at or habituated to thinking deeply or systematically about philosophical concepts.
8 Letters
REASONER: A person who thinks or argues in a logical way, prioritizing reason over emotion or experience.
LOGICIAN: An expert in logic, a branch of philosophy that deals with the principles of valid reasoning.
More About "rationalist crossword clue"
The term "rationalist" in a crossword clue points towards a person or a school of thought that emphasizes the role of reason as the chief source and test of knowledge. Unlike empiricists, who believe knowledge primarily comes from sensory experience, rationalists contend that certain truths exist independently of experience and can be grasped through pure intellect and deduction.
Historically, prominent rationalists like René Descartes, Baruch Spinoza, and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz laid the groundwork for modern philosophy, arguing for innate ideas and the power of logical reasoning to uncover fundamental truths about reality. When encountering such a clue, crosswords often seek the names of these philosophers, the general terms for such thinkers, or related concepts emphasizing logic and intellect.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters is your biggest hint. If you have some letters already, try to fit the given answers into your grid.
- Consider Philosophical Context: For clues like "rationalist," think about related philosophical schools, key figures, or contrasting ideas (like empiricism).
- Look for Synonyms and Related Concepts: While the direct answer might be "REASONER" or "LOGICIAN," sometimes a clue might hint at a characteristic or a specific historical figure associated with the concept.
- Use Cross-References: Always check the intersecting words. Even if you're unsure about "rationalist," a confident intersecting word can confirm or deny a potential answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rationalist in simple terms?
A rationalist is someone who believes that reason, rather than experience or faith, is the primary source of knowledge and justification. They emphasize logic and intellectual understanding to discover truth.
Which famous philosophers are known as rationalists?
Key figures often associated with rationalism include René Descartes, Baruch Spinoza, and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, all of whom emphasized innate ideas and deductive reasoning.
How does a rationalist crossword clue typically appear?
Clues for "rationalist" or related concepts often involve words like "thinker," "logician," "reasoner," "deductive type," or "one who values logic above all." They can also reference specific historical figures like Descartes or philosophical schools of thought.