Freethinkers are individuals who form their beliefs and opinions based on reason, logic, and empirical evidence rather than tradition, authority, or dogma. They often question established norms and seek to understand the world through critical thinking and scientific inquiry. This approach can apply to various areas, including religion, politics, and ethics. Many freethinkers advocate for secularism and the separation of church and state, promoting the idea that public policy should be based on rational thought rather than religious beliefs. Notable freethinkers include philosophers like David Hume and Bertrand Russell, who have contributed significantly to discussions on reason and skepticism.