irrationalism

[ ih-rash-uh-nl-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. irrationality in thought or action.
2. an attitude or belief having a nonrational basis.
3. a theory that nonrational forces govern the universe.

Other Words From

• ir·ration·al·ist adjective noun
• ir·ration·al·istic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of irrationalism¹

First recorded in 1805–15; irrational + -ism

Example Sentences

Doing so, I hope, will help us understand the central fact about American politics at this time: how one of our major political parties sold itself to a virulent strain of irrationalism.

From Salon

"Undermining confidence in our public institutions, in science and critical thinking, and in the social compact that public schools represent is a way of delegitimizing the process of rational policymaking. The growth of irrationalism and anti-intellectualism in education and in society lets powerful religious and economic leaders, along with their political allies, pretend that they represent the will of the people even as they advance their own interests."

From Salon

It did well enough that the party will only be confirmed in its current embrace of populism, white nationalism and irrationalism.

From Washington Post

Irrationalism also depends on the cult of action for action's sake.

From Salon

We cannot eradicate irrationalism and the threat it poses to society and nature.

From Salon