more on this theme | more from this text
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.
| 4303 | The notion of substance lies at the heart of rationalist metaphysics [Cottingham] |
| 4304 | Descartes says there are two substance, Spinoza one, and Leibniz infinitely many [Cottingham] |
| 4306 | For rationalists, it is necessary that effects be deducible from their causes [Cottingham] |
| 4316 | Either all action is rational, or reason dominates, or reason is only concerned with means [Cottingham] |