Human Reason and Its Dimensions: From Aristotle to Contemporary Thought
Human Reason and Its Dimensions
Value Feelings
Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle (fourth century BC) believed that human beings are driven by both intelligence and desire. He argued that the human condition is not solely rational but also emotional. We are naturally inclined to have desires, emotions, and feelings that influence our actions.
Similarly, in the philosophy of primitive Christianity, St. Augustine of Hippo (4th-5th century) emphasized the importance of love. He believed that love is a fundamental human experience that connects us to the divine. Augustine suggested that our passions, including love, are essential to our nature and should not be suppressed.
In the 18th century, moral sense philosophers like Adam Smith highlighted the significance of moral sympathy. They argued that humans possess an innate capacity for empathy and compassion, which forms the basis of our moral judgments and evaluations.
David Hume, a prominent figure in the Scottish Enlightenment, contended that reason alone is insufficient to motivate behavior. He believed that passions are the primary drivers of human action, while reason serves as their”slave” guiding and directing them.
Immanuel Kant, a German philosopher, argued that reason is capable of motivating action through the concept of duty. However, he also acknowledged the existence of moral feelings, such as respect, that influence our behavior.
In the 20th century, Spanish philosopher Xavier Zubiri proposed that human beings possess an”intelligence sense” suggesting that our intelligence is intertwined with our feelings and experiences.
Cordial Reason
Humans arrive at truth and justice not only through rational arguments but also through our emotions and feelings. Our emotions help us to identify and prioritize information that is important to us. The traditional opposition between reason and emotion is not entirely accurate, as reason itself is influenced by our feelings and experiences.
Person
Boethius, a Roman philosopher from the 5th century, defined a person as an individual substance of a rational nature. Kant expanded on this idea, suggesting that a person is a free and autonomous being capable of creating their own moral principles.
Personalism, a philosophical movement that emerged in the 20th century, emphasizes the centrality of the person as both an individual and a social being. Emmanuel Mounier, a key figure in this movement, highlighted the importance of personal relationships, community, and the search for meaning in life.
Being a Person and Gain
Mounier proposed several key aspects of being a person, including:
- Existence-incarnated: Our physical existence is an integral part of who we are.
- Communications: We are social beings who thrive on connection and dialogue.
- Liberty-conditioned: Our freedom is not absolute but is shaped by our circumstances and responsibilities.
- Commitment: We find meaning and purpose through our commitments to others and to causes greater than ourselves.
- Capacity-critical-eminent dignity: We possess inherent dignity and worth as human beings.
- Near-friendliness: We are capable of forming deep and meaningful relationships with others.
Human Consciousness
Human consciousness has two primary functions: self-awareness and self-continuity. We are aware of ourselves as distinct individuals, and we experience a sense of continuity over time, recognizing ourselves as the same person we were in the past.
Difference Between Humans and Animals (Aristotle)
According to Aristotle, one of the key differences between humans and animals is our capacity for language and reason (logos). Humans can use language to communicate, reason abstractly, and understand the world around us. This capacity for reason has several dimensions:
- Argumentative dimension: We can use reason to construct arguments, analyze information, and form judgments.
- Intersubjective dimension: Language allows us to share our thoughts and experiences with others, creating shared understanding and social bonds.
- Practical or moral dimension: Reason enables us to reflect on our values, make ethical decisions, and live a virtuous life.
Rationalities and Reason
Kant recognized that reason can be used in various ways, leading to the concept of multiple”rationalities” These different rationalities reflect the diverse applications of human reason in different domains of life.
Theoretical and Practical Reason
We use our rational abilities to both understand the world (theoretical reason) and to act within it (practical reason). Aristotle believed that theoretical reason deals with”what cannot be otherwise” while practical reason guides us toward achieving happiness and living a fulfilling life. Practical reason, also known as prudential reason, involves finding a balance between our desires and our rational understanding of what is truly good for us.
Historic and Vital Reason
Historic reason refers to the understanding that our reasoning abilities are shaped by our historical and cultural context. Our thoughts and beliefs are not formed in a vacuum but are influenced by the ideas and events that have come before us.
Vital reason, a concept developed by José Ortega y Gasset, emphasizes the interconnectedness of reason and life. Reason is not separate from our lived experience but is an essential aspect of what it means to be human. Our lives are inherently rational, and we cannot understand ourselves or the world around us without engaging our rational faculties.
Instrumental and Communicative Reason
Instrumental reason refers to our ability to use reason as a tool to achieve specific goals. This includes our capacity for scientific and technological advancement, as well as our ability to develop strategies and solve problems.
Communicative reason, on the other hand, focuses on the use of reason to establish understanding and reach consensus with others. This involves dialogue, empathy, and a willingness to listen to and learn from different perspectives. While instrumental reason seeks to control and manipulate the world, communicative reason aims to create shared meaning and foster cooperation.
In conclusion, human reason is a complex and multifaceted capacity that shapes our understanding of ourselves and the world. From our emotions and values to our ability to think abstractly and solve problems, reason is central to what it means to be human. By exploring the different dimensions of reason, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and complexity of human thought and experience.