Final answer:
Rationalism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes reason and intellect as sources of knowledge, as opposed to superstition. It stands in contrast to empiricism and played a significant role in the Enlightenment period.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rationalism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the reliance on reason and intellect as the main sources of knowledge, rather than superstition. It suggests that significant knowledge of the world can be best achieved through logical reasoning and a priori means, without relying solely on sensory experience. Rationalism played a significant role in the Enlightenment period, where philosophers like René Descartes argued that reason alone determined knowledge. It stands in contrast to empiricism, which emphasizes the importance of sensory experience in gaining knowledge.