Dutch School of Rationalism

The Dutch School of Rationalism was a philosophical movement in the 17th century that emphasized reason as the primary path to knowledge and understanding of the world. Thinkers like Baruch Spinoza argued that logic and clear thinking could reveal truths about nature, ethics, and religion, often challenging traditional beliefs. Rooted in the broader Age of Enlightenment, this approach valued scientific inquiry and rational analysis over superstition and dogma. It laid the groundwork for modern philosophy and science by promoting intellectual independence and critical thinking, influencing later developments in modern rationalism and empirical research.