Rationalism (Liberalism)

Rationalism is the belief that humans are rational creatures, capable of reason and logic.

The essentials:

The logical starting-point towards understanding any ideology concerns its view of human nature. In straight-forward terms, liberals share an optimistic attitude towards human nature. This is based upon an assumption that our behaviour is determined by rational interest rather than irrational emotions and prejudice. We are therefore governed by reason and should be entrusted with as much freedom as possible.

The liberal belief that humans are rational creatures holds several implications. Firstly, it promotes the view that we are free to choose our own path in life regardless of what society dictates as the ‘norm.’ Liberals firmly believe that we should be allowed to express ourselves fully as guided by our own free will. There is a lengthy tradition amongst liberal figures and pressure groups of championing the rights of minority groups such as political dissidents and the LGBT community. Secondly, liberals instinctively welcome those fleeing from persecution and discrimination in their native homeland. Freedom of movement is a central tenant of liberalism, and the only logical conclusion amongst people who place reason above prejudice.

Another important implication derived from this rationalist perspective is the importance of human happiness. All liberals would concur with Aristotle’s observation that “happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” There are a number of practical illustrations of this liberal attitude. The right of all adults; regardless of their sexuality, to marry the person they love is a recent illustration of this line of argument. In addition, the liberal concept of utilitarianism seeks to maximise the level of human happiness. According to utilitarian philosophers like James Mill and Jeremy Bentham; society should be geared towards “the greatest happiness for the greatest number.”

Extension material and application:

On the basis of their optimistic outlook on human nature, liberals seek to empower the individual provided our actions do not undermine the freedom of others. As one of the most prominent liberal thinkers of all time (John Stuart Mill) argued “the liberty of the individual must be this far limited; he must not make himself a nuisance to other people.” It is on this liberal cornerstone that laws exist in order to prevent incitement to racial and religious hatred. Targeting minority groups on the basis of bigotry is particularly abhorrent to any true liberal.

In all countries and throughout the ages, liberals refute the notion that human behaviour is shaped by the irrational forces of superstition and religion. Instead, they claim that adults are fully capable of making decisions based upon their own reasoning. As a consequence, liberalism is on a collision course with religious fundamentalists of all faiths. Whereas religious fundamentalists believe that our actions are shaped by forces beyond our reasoning, liberals assert that human beings are rational creatures. Indeed, it is the ability to reason that frees us from the outdated traditions and customs of the past. Moreover, no group of people are any less rational than any other. Human rights should therefore apply on a universal basis regardless of gender, ethnicity, social background or sexuality. Consistent with this view, contemporary liberals argue in favour of women’s rights within countries that have traditionally imposed suppression (as in Saudi Arabia which now allows women to register to vote and stand for election).