22662
|
In the instrumental view of rationality it only concerns means, and not ends [Nozick]
|
|
Full Idea:
On the instrumental conception of rationality, it consists in the effective and efficient achievement of goals, ends, and desires. About the goals themselves it has little to say.
|
|
From:
Robert Nozick (The Nature of Rationality [1993], p.64)
|
|
A reaction:
[He quotes Russell 1954 p.viii as expressing this view] A long way from Greek logos, which obviously concerns the rational selection of right ends (for which, presumably, reasons can be given). In practice our ends may never be rational, of course.
|
22667
|
Rationality needs some self-consciousness, to also evaluate how we acquired our reasons [Nozick]
|
|
Full Idea:
Rationality involves some degree of self-consciousness. Not only reasons are evaluated, but also the processes by which information arrives, is stored, and recalled.
|
|
From:
Robert Nozick (The Nature of Rationality [1993], p.74)
|
|
A reaction:
I defend the idea that animals have a degree of rationality, because they can make sensible judgements, but I cannot deny this idea. Rationality comes in degrees, and second-level thought is a huge leap forward in degree.
|
7535
|
If all beliefs are propositional, then belief and judgement are the same thing [Monk]
|
|
Full Idea:
Whether the words 'belief' and 'judgement' mean the same thing is a moot point. Traditionally, a judgement is the assent of mind to a proposition. If one thinks that all beliefs are propositional, then beliefs and judgements are the same thing.
|
|
From:
Ray Monk (Bertrand Russell: Spirit of Solitude [1996], Ch.19 n6)
|
|
A reaction:
If I think I have put a bit too much toothpaste on my brush, that strikes me as a non-propositional judgement, even though it could be spelled out as a proposition. But it also strikes me as a belief.
|