Single Idea 14779

[catalogued under 2. Reason / A. Nature of Reason / 4. Aims of Reason]

Full Idea

I do not reason for the sake of my delight in reasoning, but solely to avoid disappointment and surprise.

Gist of Idea

I reason in order to avoid disappointment and surprise

Source

Charles Sanders Peirce (Criterion of Validity in Reasoning [1903], I)

Book Reference

Peirce,Charles Sanders: 'Philosophical Writings of Peirce', ed/tr. Buchler,Justus [Dover 1940], p.125


A Reaction

Hence Peirce places more emphasis on inductive and abductive reasoning than on deductive reasoning. I have to agree with him. Anyone account of why we reason must have an evolutionary framework. What advantage does reason bestow? It concerns the future.