Single Idea 23945

[catalogued under 2. Reason / A. Nature of Reason / 1. On Reason]

Full Idea

What is called 'reason' is the passions enlightened, 'illuminated' by reflection and supported by a perspicacious deliberation that the emotions in their urgency normally excluded.

Gist of Idea

Reason is actually passions, guided by perspicacious reflection

Source

Robert C. Solomon (The Passions [1976], Intro.4)

Book Reference

Solomon,Robert C.: 'The Passions (1993 ed)' [Hackett 1993], p.15


A Reaction

To suggest that reason more or less is emotions strikes me as missing the point of 'perspicacious', which takes in facts outside our emotional world. We excitedly climb a cliff, then stop when we see the rocks are crumbling.