What is the definition of rationalism in Cosmic Rationalism (Mathilde Ludendorff reimagined)

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Defining Rationalism in Cosmic Rationalism: The Core of Emergent InquiryCosmic Rationalism, while framed as a philosophical ideology rather than a traditional religion, can be understood as a "rational religion" in the sense that it synthesizes scientific empiricism with existential awe, offering a structured worldview for meaning-making without dogma or supernaturalism. At its heart, rationalism in Cosmic Rationalism is defined not as a rigid adherence to reason alone—as in classical Enlightenment rationalism—but as an adaptive, evidence-based process of inquiry that integrates empirical knowledge with emergent human capacities to navigate life's transience and forge ethical legacies. This essay explores this definition: Its roots in scientific naturalism, its role in resolving existential paradoxes, and its ethical implications for personal and collective growth.Rationalism as Empirical Foundation: Evidence Over DogmaIn Cosmic Rationalism, rationalism is fundamentally empirical—prioritizing testable evidence and falsifiable hypotheses over unverified beliefs or intuitions. Drawing from the philosophy's emergent ethos, where the universe self-organizes from quantum laws to biological complexity without teleology, rationalism serves as the methodological anchor: All claims must align with observable reality, from Big Bang cosmology to evolutionary biology. This echoes Karl Popper's falsificationism—ideas are rational if open to disproof—rejecting supernatural absolutes (e.g., divine intervention) as untestable.Unlike Ludendorff's original vitalistic "God-Cognisance," which blended pseudoscience with intuition, Cosmic Rationalism's rationalism demands scrutiny: "Miracles" or myths are reframed as cognitive biases or symbolic tools (e.g., agency detection explaining deities), testable via neuroscience (e.g., fMRI showing pattern-seeking in brains). Rationalism thus defines as critical adaptation—using reason to refine conscience (an evolved social tool) through reflection, countering errors like confirmation bias. In this "religion," rationalism is the sacred practice of truth-seeking, fostering capacities like inquiry to build knowledge as a legacy.Rationalism as Resolver of Paradoxes: Meaning Amid EmergenceCosmic Rationalism's rationalism addresses life's core paradoxes—transience, uncertainty—by integrating science with awe. In a probabilistic cosmos (quantum indeterminacy yielding emergence), rationalism enables compatibilist free will: Choices emerge from neural processes, refined via neuroplasticity, allowing adaptation without illusion. Death's finality, a evolutionary trade-off (disposable soma for diversity), is resolved rationally—transience catalyzes "legacy-drive," where rational inquiry turns finite existence into purposeful impacts (e.g., sustainable ethics via evidence)."God" as metaphor for emergent mystery is approached rationally: Awe from quantum entanglement or evolutionary unity inspires, but without dogma—rationalism tests claims, fostering "God-living" (flow states via meditation) as evidence-based transcendence. Myths (e.g., creation as symbolic emergence) are rationally reframed, resolving nihilism: Meaning emerges adaptively, not imposed.Ethical Implications: Rationalism as Guide to Legacy and PerfectionEthically, rationalism in Cosmic Rationalism is adaptive—morals emerge from evidence: Good as prosocial harmony (e.g., empathy from mirror neurons), evaluated rationally (e.g., effective altruism prioritizing impact). It rejects utility/reward dogmas, using rational discrimination (love bonds, hate harms) for relational harmony. Perfection as lifelong growth (neuroplastic mindsets) is pursued rationally—refine capacities via inquiry, building legacies (genes/memes).In this "religion," rationalism is devotional practice: Daily reflection/evidence-seeking as ethical ritual, fostering conscious genius—integrated creativity for awe-inspired action. Sublime: Empowers humans as cosmic stewards, adapting rationally in probabilistic reality.Conclusion: The Sublime Essence of Rational InquiryIn Cosmic Rationalism, rationalism is defined as emergent, evidence-driven inquiry—integrating knowledge with awe to resolve paradoxes and forge legacies. This sublime stance transforms philosophy into lived "religion": Rational not rigid, adaptive not absolute—empowering ethical optimism in an emergent cosmos.