I am a rationalist. Rationalism is an epistemological theory “in which the criterion of the truth is not sensory but intellectual and deductive” (Bourke 263). That is to say, knowledge (truth) is deducible. It can be obtained through applied infallible laws. Much like if a straight stick is 180° and you cross it with another straight 180° stick, the angles formed opposite one another must be equal. If P then Q. P. Therefore, Q. They are Laws. They are by definition never incorrect.

If I over simplify a bit, and explain rationalism as only believing something when given a valid reason to believe it. Outside the confines of the mind, what makes a valid reason? Evidence. Repeatable, independently confirmed evidence. Basing beliefs (what you think to be true) on evidence is a special form of rationalism known as Empiricism.

I am an empiricist. I believe things based on the evidence available. Because there is no other way to repeatedly and unbiasedly seek the truth.

Bourke, Vernon J. (1962), “Rationalism”, p. 263 in Runes (1962).