more on this theme | more from this thinker
Full Idea
Rationality involves some degree of self-consciousness. Not only reasons are evaluated, but also the processes by which information arrives, is stored, and recalled.
Gist of Idea
Rationality needs some self-consciousness, to also evaluate how we acquired our reasons
Source
Robert Nozick (The Nature of Rationality [1993], p.74)
Book Ref
Nozick,Robert: 'The Nature of Rationality' [Princeton 1995], p.74
A Reaction
I defend the idea that animals have a degree of rationality, because they can make sensible judgements, but I cannot deny this idea. Rationality comes in degrees, and second-level thought is a huge leap forward in degree.
| 22663 | Rationality is normally said to concern either giving reasons, or reliability [Nozick] |
| 22662 | In the instrumental view of rationality it only concerns means, and not ends [Nozick] |
| 22664 | I do not care if my trivial beliefs are false, and I have no interest in many truths [Nozick] |
| 22665 | Maybe James was depicting the value of truth, and not its nature [Nozick] |
| 22666 | Is it rational to believe a truth which leads to permanent misery? [Nozick] |
| 22667 | Rationality needs some self-consciousness, to also evaluate how we acquired our reasons [Nozick] |