The Rationalist school of thought emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge and understanding. Rationalists believe that certain truths can be discovered through logical deduction and intellectual reasoning, rather than relying solely on sensory experience. This approach often contrasts with empiricism, which prioritizes observation and experimentation. Key figures in the Rationalist tradition include philosophers like René Descartes, Baruch Spinoza, and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. They argued that innate ideas and principles exist within the mind, allowing individuals to arrive at knowledge through rational thought. This perspective has significantly influenced various fields, including mathematics, science, and ethics.