Single Idea 6585

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

Full Idea

The three main threats to our rational lives are fear of inconsistency, illusions (of absolutism and relativism) and doubt.

Gist of Idea

Rationality is threatened by fear of inconsistency, illusions of absolutes or relativism, and doubt

Source

Robert Fogelin (Walking the Tightrope of Reason [2003], Ch.4)

Book Reference

Fogelin,Robert: 'Walking the Tightrope of Reason' [OUP 2004], p.96


A Reaction

This is a very nice analysis of the forces that can destroy the philosopher's aspiration to the rational life. Personally I still suffer from a few illusions about the possibility of absolutes, but I may grow out of it. The other three don't bother me.