Reason and Logos: Exploring Human Rationality and its Dimensions
Reason and Logos: Exploring Human Rationality
The concept of reason suggests that beyond the brain, there exists a “self,” “psyche,” “soul,” or “ego” of an immaterial nature, responsible for our character and feelings. Reason allows humans to blend logic and emotion, distinguishing the value of each and their relationship.
The animal that possesses logos is a definition Aristotle ascribed to humans. Logos differentiates us from other animals, and its meaning should be carefully considered:
- Having logos means possessing the ability to communicate intelligibly, using language conceptually to understand and explain reality (the argumentative dimension of reason).
- The animal with logos is capable of living in society by sharing a language (the intersubjective dimension of reason).
- Having Logos means being able to think reasonably, engaging with the world and discussing with others (the moral or practical dimension of reason).
Reason and Rationality
There isn’t a single form of reason, but rather a set of capabilities used in various situations, which Kant termed “various uses of reason.” Throughout history, different aspects of human rationality have been studied and emphasized.
Theoretical and Practical Reason
Theoretical reason is used to arrive at truth. It deals with what Aristotle called “what cannot be otherwise,” referring to objects or events that are necessary. In these cases, one seeks the best explanation that provides the ultimate truth.
Practical reason is used to achieve happiness. It deals with “those things that may be otherwise.”
The concept of reason suggests that beyond the brain, there exists a “self,” “psyche,” “soul,” or “ego” of an immaterial nature, responsible for our character and feelings. Reason allows humans to blend logic and emotion, distinguishing the value of each and their relationship.
The animal that possesses logos is a definition Aristotle ascribed to humans. Logos differentiates us from other animals, and its meaning should be carefully considered:
- Having logos means possessing the ability to communicate intelligibly, using language conceptually to understand and explain reality (the argumentative dimension of reason).
- The animal with logos is capable of living in society by sharing a language (the intersubjective dimension of reason).
- Having Logos means being able to think reasonably, engaging with the world and discussing with others (the moral or practical dimension of reason).
Reason and Rationality
There isn’t a single form of reason, but rather a set of capabilities used in various situations, which Kant termed “various uses of reason.” Throughout history, different aspects of human rationality have been studied and emphasized.
Ratio of Theoretical and Practical Reason
Theoretical reason is that we use to reach the truth. It concerns, as Aristotle’s “what can not be otherwise,” that is, objects or events that are necessarily. In these cases, only you can find the best explanation, that give us the ultimate truth. The practical reason is that we use to achieve happiness. It deals with “those who may be otherwise.