Single Idea 4316

[catalogued under 20. Action / C. Motives for Action / 3. Acting on Reason / a. Practical reason]

Full Idea

We can distinguish rational exclusivism (all activity is guided by reason - Plato and Spinoza), rational hegemonism (all action is dominated by reason), and rational instrumentalism (reason assesses means rather than ends - Hume).

Gist of Idea

Either all action is rational, or reason dominates, or reason is only concerned with means

Source

John Cottingham (Reason, Emotions and Good Life [2000])


A Reaction

The idea that reason is the only cause of actions seems deeply implausible, but I strongly resist Hume's instrumental approach. Action without desire is not a contradiction.