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‘I have never, in all my life, not for one moment, been tempted toward religion of any kind. The fact is that I feel no spiritual void. I have my philosophy of life, which does not include any aspect of the supernatural and which I find totally satisfying. I am, in short, a rationalist...’ - Isaac Asimov

Rationalism is an intellectual, cultural, social and political movement that exists to promote the role of reason in approaching and finding solutions to the wide range of issues and problems that confront us in each of those spheres of our public life.

The Rationalist Society of Australia defines rationalism as ‘the attitude of mind which unreservedly accepts the supremacy of reason, and aims to establish a system of philosophy and ethics independent of arbitrary assumptions and authority’. For three further definitions of rationalism, click here.

Rationalists argue for a rational approach to human problems, suggest reasoned alternatives to religious dogmas, defend freedom of thought and civil liberties and strive for the secularisation of politics, society and educational systems. Rationalists counter superstition, aim to promote an open and just society, endorse scientific method and also recognise the importance of emotions and imagination.

In order to achieve our aims, we:

  1. Issue press releases and write ‘Letters to the Editor‘ to leading media outlets;
  2. Make submissions to relevant government and other inquiries;
  3. Hold lectures and conferences;
  4. Publish a quarterly journal, the Australian Rationalist.

The aims of the Rationalist Society of Australia include:

  1. To propound and advance rationalism;
  2. To stimulate freedom of thought, and to promote inquiry into religious beliefs and practices;
  3. To encourage interest in science, criticism and philosophy, as connected factors in a progressive human culture, independent of theological creeds and dogmas;
  4. To promote the fullest possible use of science for human welfare;
  5. To promote a secular and ethical system of education.

To view the full version of our aims, click here.

‘With or without religion, good people can behave well and bad people can do evil; but for good people to do evil – that takes religion.’ - Steven Weinberg

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