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Single Idea 20990

[from 'The Idea of Justice' by Amartya Sen, in 18. Thought / A. Modes of Thought / 5. Rationality / a. Rationality ]

Full Idea

My main argument can be fairly easily understood in terms of seeing rationality as conformity with reasons that one can sustain, even after scrutiny, and not just at first sight.

Gist of Idea

Rationality is conformity to reasons that can be sustained even after scrutiny

Source

Amartya Sen (The Idea of Justice [2009], 08 'Rational' n)

Book Reference

Sen, Amartya: 'The Idea of Justice' [Penguin 2010], p.180


A Reaction

We would need to say more about the 'scrutiny' before we had a really good account of rationality here. In Idea 20982 he emphasises the need for scrutiny by other people, and not mere self-criticism. The key may to be invite outside criticism.