The Need for Reason

Discussion

When we are told something, we do not just accept it as true unless we wholly trust the other person. Even then an assertion accompanied by data or some kind of rationale is preferable (even if the logic is rather shaky).

When we are not happy with what we are told, we ask why, as many children frequently do, or otherwise challenge inadequate reason.

We also feel the need to explain, giving reason for what we say and do. In our theory of mind we imagine how others might doubt what we say, and so offer evidence and reasoning to persuade them, or at least avoid having them think ill of us.

Animals do not have reason learn only by experience, either direct or maybe by watching others. Some animals have limited thinking skills. None, however, can communicate with anywhere near detail of humans. Humans still find experience as the most persuasive argument, though the potential cost of this makes reason a safer and cheaper alternative.

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The Need for Reason

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