Single Idea 3801

[catalogued under 2. Reason / A. Nature of Reason / 9. Limits of Reason]

Full Idea

We must assume that something matters - that some things are for better and some things are for worse, for without that our assumed rationality would have nothing on which to get a purchase.

Gist of Idea

Rationality requires the assumption that things are either for better or worse

Source

Daniel C. Dennett (Elbow Room: varieties of free will [1984], §7.1)

Book Reference

Dennett,Daniel C.: 'Elbow Room - Free will worth wanting' [MIT 1999], p.155


A Reaction

It does seem that rationality wouldn't exist as an activity without some value to motivate it.