Single Idea 3811

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

Full Idea

We must distinguish between entailment and validity as logical relations on the one hand, and inferring as a voluntary human activity on the other.

Clarification

The first two are part of pure logic, but 'inference' (from one idea to the next) is part of our natural rational thinking

Gist of Idea

Entailment and validity are relations, but inference is a human activity

Source

John Searle (Rationality in Action [2001], Ch.1.II)

Book Reference

Searle,John R.: 'Rationality in Action' [MIT 2001], p.21