I agree that ‘rationalism’ has undesirable connotations.
‘rationalist’ also has these connotations, but I am not sure what other name I should call someone who devotes themselves to ‘rationality’. Ideas?
I use aspiring rationalist a lot.
As below, I think it’s the correct word. That said, if we’re looking for a better word for signaling purposes, I propose “clear-thinker” (modeled on “free-thinker”).
“clear-thinker”
A rationalist works on improving their thinking, but of course, being merely human, never actually thinks clearly.
What is wrong with free-thinker? Does it connote more emphasis on atheism as opposed to rationality in general?
Huh. Now that you mention it, I don’t know… it mostly just feels outdated, I guess, which is not in and of itself a reason to discard it.
“Rationalist” looks OK, with less undesirable connotational impact than “rationalism”. (Compare: scientist, physicist.)
(Added to the post.)
I agree that ‘rationalism’ has undesirable connotations.
‘rationalist’ also has these connotations, but I am not sure what other name I should call someone who devotes themselves to ‘rationality’. Ideas?
I use aspiring rationalist a lot.
As below, I think it’s the correct word. That said, if we’re looking for a better word for signaling purposes, I propose “clear-thinker” (modeled on “free-thinker”).
A rationalist works on improving their thinking, but of course, being merely human, never actually thinks clearly.
What is wrong with free-thinker? Does it connote more emphasis on atheism as opposed to rationality in general?
Huh. Now that you mention it, I don’t know… it mostly just feels outdated, I guess, which is not in and of itself a reason to discard it.
“Rationalist” looks OK, with less undesirable connotational impact than “rationalism”. (Compare: scientist, physicist.)
(Added to the post.)