Difference Between Rationalism and Empiricism

Running Head: LEARNING OBJECTIVES
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note:

LEARNING OBJECTIVES1
Difference between rationalism and empiricism
There is an important difference between these two concepts. In particular, it can be said
that the two terms are contradictory to each other. Rationalism is the concept or belief for the
inherited ideas and reasons. On the other hand, Empiricism is the kind of belief for the sense
perception, instruction, and neglects the innate concepts. Rationalism includes the process of
believing the innate ideas indicating the notions a person bears from the time of birth. It can
occur through reincarnation (Vaidya, 2017). Plato is the right one to describe this theory.
Contrarily, empiricism is the kind of acquired knowledge as mentioned by John Locke and
categorized into simple and complex one.
Significance of Mathematics, particularly geometry, for rationalism
In terms of rationalism, Rene Descartes provided the reason claiming by resolving the
idea that cannot be attained through certainty. The author mentioned numerous mathematical
claims including ‘the internal angles of a triangle add up to 180 degrees’. Majority of the
philosophers accept the Mathematical truths as a necessary factor known as known as priori
(Marshall, 2019). Considering the particular factor of Geometry, it is the study about the
properties along with the relationship of points, angles, lines, solids, and surfaces.
The significance of innate ideas for rationalism
The rationalism is the view that considers the main sources and idea that innately curated
in the human mind. Hence, it is very significant for the study of rationalism. They avoid the
concept that human being can learn things by experiencing other things. Hence, rationalism
believes in the truths about mathematical calculations as mentioned by Leibniz that provide
importance to the possible worlds. Hence, Plato argued that the sources of innate ideas are the