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Deism refers to a religious philosophy that asserts the existence of a higher power, typically understood as a creator deity, but rejects the notion of supernatural revelation and intervention in human affairs. It emphasizes reason, observation, and natural law as the primary sources of religious knowledge, rather than relying on scripture or divine revelation. Deism is often contrasted with both organized religion and atheism, as it affirms a belief in a higher power without subscribing to the dogmatic tenets of established religions or denying the possibility of a deity altogether. Historically, deism has been associated with Enlightenment thinkers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Thomas Paine, who sought to promote reason and individual autonomy in the face of religious orthodoxy.