Single Idea 5200

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / C. Rationalism / 1. Rationalism]

Full Idea

The fundamental tenet of rationalism is that thought is an independent source of knowledge.

Gist of Idea

The main claim of rationalism is that thought is an independent source of knowledge

Source

A.J. Ayer (Language,Truth and Logic [1936], Ch.4)

Book Reference

Ayer,A.J.: 'Language, Truth and Logic' [Penguin 1974], p.98


A Reaction

Presumably one should add that thought gives synthetic knowledge. Thought is also an experience, so empiricists will always acknowledge that we could have some knowledge (of thought) by thought alone.