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Single Idea 22662

[filed under theme 18. Thought / A. Modes of Thought / 5. Rationality / a. Rationality ]

Full Idea

On the instrumental conception of rationality, it consists in the effective and efficient achievement of goals, ends, and desires. About the goals themselves it has little to say.

Gist of Idea

In the instrumental view of rationality it only concerns means, and not ends

Source

Robert Nozick (The Nature of Rationality [1993], p.64)

Book Ref

Nozick,Robert: 'The Nature of Rationality' [Princeton 1995], p.64


A Reaction

[He quotes Russell 1954 p.viii as expressing this view] A long way from Greek logos, which obviously concerns the rational selection of right ends (for which, presumably, reasons can be given). In practice our ends may never be rational, of course.

Related Idea

Idea 22663 Rationality is normally said to concern either giving reasons, or reliability [Nozick]


The 6 ideas from 'The Nature of Rationality'

Rationality is normally said to concern either giving reasons, or reliability [Nozick]
In the instrumental view of rationality it only concerns means, and not ends [Nozick]
I do not care if my trivial beliefs are false, and I have no interest in many truths [Nozick]
Maybe James was depicting the value of truth, and not its nature [Nozick]
Is it rational to believe a truth which leads to permanent misery? [Nozick]
Rationality needs some self-consciousness, to also evaluate how we acquired our reasons [Nozick]