Single Idea 4767

[catalogued under 2. Reason / A. Nature of Reason / 1. On Reason]

Full Idea

The traditional conception of Reason is that all beliefs should be justified (that is, backed up by reasons) in order to be rational.

Gist of Idea

Traditionally, rational beliefs are those which are justified by reasons

Source

Stathis Psillos (Causation and Explanation [2002], §1.6)

Book Reference

Psillos,Stathis: 'Causation and Explanation' [Acumen 2002], p.34


A Reaction

I think it is the duty of all philosophers to either defend this traditional view, or quit philosophy for some other activity. Rorty suggests hermeneutics. In a democracy, rulers should be continually required to give reasons for their decisions.