The Rationality Project

Rationality has been philosophers' concern stretching back to ancient times. But just what is rationality? In trying to answer this question, rationality is found to be more complex than supposed. This book investigates this supposition and thereby aspires to bring together the facets of the peculiar phenomenon that is rationality. Rationality is shown to be both more complex than presumed and yet more accessible than many may have feared. One argument concedes the common assumption that those interested in rationality need only rely on intuitions about this phenomenon. Yet, even moderate research reveals the concept's profound fuzziness. This book aims to set forth a theory, explanation, and unification of the kindred and disparate understandings of this elusive concept, rationality.

Explores the complexity of rationality Shows that despite its complexity, rationality is accessible to analysis Sets forth a theory, explanation, and unification of the disparate understandings of the concept

Auteur

Lantz Fleming Miller, a visiting professor of philosophy at Ashoka University in India, focuses on moral, social, and political philosophy, especially pertaining to technological developments. He has published dozens of articles on these subjects in prominent journals. He has also taught philosophy at the University of Twente, Netherlands, and institutes in Paris and New York.

Texte du rabat

Rationality has been philosophers concern stretching back to ancient times. But just what is rationality? In trying to answer this question, rationality is found to be more complex than supposed. This book investigates this supposition and thereby aspires to bring together the facets of the peculiar phenomenon that is rationality. Rationality is shown to be both more complex than presumed and yet more accessible than many may have feared. One argument concedes the common assumption that those interested in rationality need only rely on intuitions about this phenomenon. Yet, even moderate research reveals the concept s profound fuzziness. This book aims to set forth a theory, explanation, and unification of the kindred and disparate understandings of this elusive concept, rationality.

Contenu

Chapter 1. What Kind of Approach This Study Takes and What It Does Not.- Part I How a Most-Explanatory Theory of Rationality May Aid Understanding and Debates.- Chapter 2. Positioning the Argument: Goals, Terminologies, Assumptions, Directions.- Chapter 3. Tidying the Rational Home.- Chapter 4. The Ontology of Rationality.- Chapter 5. Further Considerations of the Most Explanatory Theory of Rationality: Does It Do Justice to Rationality and Humanity?.- Part II Aspects of a Most Explanatory Theory of Rationality.- Chapter 6. Rationality's Precepts and Cognates (Irrational, Nonrational, Arational, etc.).- Chapter 7. [Rationality vs. Authority] Versus [Rationality + Authority].- Chapter 8. Why Rationality? The Growth and Normativity of Rationality.- Chapter 9. Rationality Personal and Social.- Chapter 10. Extensive Example and Closing Remarks.