irrationalists

Irrationalists were a group of philosophers who emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily in Europe. They challenged the dominant rationalist philosophy of their time, which emphasized the use of reason and scientific method to understand the world.

Led by philosophers such as Sigmund Freud, Martin Heidegger, and Friedrich Nietzsche, irrationalists argued that rational thought was limited in its ability to grasp the complexities of human experience. They claimed that emotions, instincts, and intuition played a more significant role in shaping human behavior and understanding the world.

Irrationalists also questioned the notion of objectivity, arguing that all knowledge was subjective and influenced by personal, cultural, or historical context. They saw the rationalist emphasis on objective truth as a form of repression or domination.

The movement brought a focus to individualism, existentialism, and the rejection of traditional norms. They also explored the ambiguous relationship between reason and madness, highlighting that what is rational to one person can be seen as irrational to another.

Irrationalism continues to influence various fields, including philosophy, psychology, anthropology, and literature. Though its core concepts have been subject to ongoing debate and critique, the term 'irrationalist' remains a significant concept in intellectual history.

Throughout the 20th century, various sub-themes within irrationalism developed, pushing the movement in different directions. Some became more devoted to individual freedom and spontaneous self-expression, while others progressed towards enhanced emphasis on power, emotional, and cultural determinism.