What belief characterizes Deism as a philosophy?

Deism is characterized by the belief that natural laws govern the universe with minimal divine intervention. Deists maintain that while a creator exists, this creator does not interfere in the day-to-day workings of the world after its creation. Instead, they argue that the universe operates according to consistent and discoverable laws, which can be understood through reason and observation. This philosophy emerged notably during the Enlightenment, when there was a strong emphasis on rationality and scientific inquiry.

The Deist perspective stands in contrast to more traditional religious views that posit frequent divine intervention in human affairs. Instead, Deists advocate for the use of reason to understand the natural world, suggesting that humans can discern truths about existence without relying on religious dogma or supernatural occurrences. This philosophy places importance on personal experience and rational thought, aligning closely with Enlightenment ideals.