irrationalism
C2Formal, Academic
Definition
Meaning
A system of thought or belief that rejects or downplays the role of reason and logic, instead emphasising instinct, emotion, or faith.
More broadly, any attitude, theory, or philosophical movement that opposes rationalism. This can manifest as a distrust of intellectualism, a belief in the primacy of feeling or will over reason, or a scepticism that reason alone can grasp fundamental truths about human existence.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is primarily used in philosophical, political, and cultural criticism. It often carries a critical or pejorative connotation, implying a rejection of Enlightenment values. It is an abstract noun denoting an ideology or tendency, not a personal characteristic (for which 'irrationality' is used).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. The term is used identically in intellectual/academic contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally critical or analytical in both dialects when used formally.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday speech in both regions. Slightly more common in UK academic writing due to the influence of Continental philosophy, but the difference is marginal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
a rise/return/surge of irrationalism in (society/politics)a critique/attack on the irrationalism of (movement/author)the descent into political irrationalismto reject/oppose/embrace irrationalismVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms use this word.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Almost never used. Might appear in a critical analysis of decision-making: 'The board's plan was a triumph of corporate irrationalism.'
Academic
Primary context. Used in philosophy, intellectual history, political theory, and cultural studies to label movements or thinkers. E.g., 'The essay traces the roots of 20th-century irrationalism in Romantic thought.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation. An educated speaker might use it in a discussion about politics or culture.
Technical
Used as a specific classification in philosophy and the history of ideas. Less common in hard sciences.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- No direct verb form. Related verb: 'to irrationalise' is extremely rare and non-standard.
American English
- No direct verb form. One might coin 'to embrace irrationalism'.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form ('irrationalistically' is theoretical and not used).
American English
- No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The irrationalist tendencies of the movement were alarming.
- He adopted an irrationalist worldview.
American English
- She wrote an analysis of irrationalist philosophy.
- The candidate's irrationalist rhetoric appealed to a fringe group.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (This word is too advanced for A2 level.)
- (This word is too advanced for B1 level.)
- Some philosophers warned against the dangers of political irrationalism.
- His ideas were a form of irrationalism that rejected science.
- The historian argued that the war was precipitated by a cultural shift towards irrationalism and nationalism.
- Postmodern thought is often accused of irrationalism by its critics for challenging objective truth.
- Her thesis explores the tension between rationalism and irrationalism in 19th-century literature.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'IRRATIONAL-ISM' – the ISM (system/doctrine) of being irrational, or against RATIO (reason).
Conceptual Metaphor
IRRATIONALISM IS A TIDE/FORCE (e.g., a rising tide of irrationalism).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'иррациональность' (irrationality), which is a personal quality or specific act. 'Irrationalism' is 'иррационализм', a philosophical doctrine.
- In Russian, 'иррационализм' can have a more neutral or even positive connotation in certain philosophical traditions (e.g., Schopenhauer, Nietzsche), while in English it is almost always critical.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'irrationalism' when 'irrationality' is meant (e.g., 'His irrationalism was surprising' – incorrect; should be 'His irrationality...').
- Pronouncing it with a secondary stress on '-ism': /ɪˈræʃənəlˌɪzəm/ is less common; primary stress is on 'ra'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'irrationalism' most appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Irrationality' is the quality or state of being irrational (illogical, unreasonable) and can describe a person's specific action or thought. 'Irrationalism' is a formal noun for a doctrine, system, or widespread tendency that deliberately opposes or devalues reason as a source of knowledge or guide to action.
In modern English usage, particularly in academic or critical writing, it is almost always used critically or pejoratively. It implies a rejection of values associated with the Enlightenment, such as logic, science, and progress. Some philosophical traditions may use it neutrally as a descriptor for their own position.
Philosophers often associated with irrationalist themes (though they might not label themselves as such) include Arthur Schopenhauer (emphasis on the blind 'Will'), Friedrich Nietzsche (critique of Socratic rationalism, 'Dionysian' spirit), and Søren Kierkegaard (leap of faith over reason). The term is more often applied by critics to these thinkers.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialized term used almost exclusively in formal, academic, or intellectual discussions. The average native speaker might not be familiar with it or might confuse it with 'irrationality'.