The prominent philosophy that emerged during the Age of Rationalism was empiricism, which emphasized knowledge derived from sensory experience and the scientific method. Thinkers such as René Descartes and John Locke were pivotal figures, advocating for reason as a primary source of knowledge over tradition or religious faith. Rationalism marked a significant departure from medieval scholasticism, fostering a belief in human reason as the best tool for understanding the world. This philosophical shift laid the groundwork for the Enlightenment, influencing various fields, including science, politics, and ethics, and promoting ideals of liberty, progress, and individual rights.