Freethought — or
free thought — is a
philosophical viewpoint which holds that positions regarding
truth should be formed on the basis of
logic,
reason, and
empiricism, rather than
authority,
tradition,
revelation, or other
dogma. The cognitive application of freethought is known as "freethinking", and practitioners of freethought are known as "freethinkers". The term first came into use in the 17th century to indicate people who inquired into the basis of traditional religious beliefs.