There is a clear distinction between rationalism and empiricism, two opposing schools of thought. Rationalism emphasizes reason while empiricism relies on experience. These two approaches have been debated throughout Western thought, with major figures such as Kant and Locke as proponents. The debate surrounds the role of the self or the external world in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Some argue that the self is of utmost importance, while others emphasize the external world and sensory experience. In the modern era, Cartesian rationalism is contrasted with empiricism, with the main differentiation being between reason and experience. This debate has been ongoing and has sparked discussions about various philosophical concepts such as free will, as seen in the contrast between the philosophies of James and Whitehead. Kant's critical perspective brought about a departure from the dogmatism of rationalism and a critical examination of the limitations of English empiricism. Ultimately, the debate between rationalism and empiricism has shaped modern philosophy and prompted discussions about the relationship between the self and the external world in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.