Rationalists are individuals who emphasize reason and logic as the primary sources of knowledge and understanding. They believe that human beings can gain insights about the world through intellectual reasoning rather than relying solely on sensory experience. This philosophical approach often contrasts with empiricism, which prioritizes observation and experimentation. Key figures in rationalism include philosophers like René Descartes and Baruch Spinoza, who argued that certain truths can be known through innate ideas and deductive reasoning. Rationalism has influenced various fields, including mathematics, science, and ethics, promoting the idea that rational thought can lead to universal truths.