13. Scientific Rationalism
Scientific rationalism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the use of reason, logic, and empirical evidence to understand the world, challenging traditional beliefs and superstitions. This perspective gained prominence during the Enlightenment, with figures like Isaac Newton exemplifying its principles through works such as “Opticks,” which analyzed the nature of light and color. Newton’s contributions laid the groundwork for modern science, promoting a worldview grounded in observation and experimentation (plato.stanford.edu).
