Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Mr. Sammi · 02-10-2003, 06:08 AM

If one were to posit, rational as HAVING THE ABILITY TO CONCLUDE, then I would have to point out there are many varying types of rationale. Some bad, some good.

We are mostly accustomed to believing that rationale is a sane and positively biased function of the brain. This however does not seem to be true for all cases. IF we say that rationale is solely a function of the brain that has the ability to conclude, independent of the nature of the conclusion, or stopping short of an independent verification of the rational result, then I would have to agree with the claim that all beings are rational.

If however we tie rational results together with the rational process, then we may see in a new light the rational process as being a plural process, not a static means to the ends, but rather a dynamic ever evolving function of the brain which ties all concluding processes with feedback of their own processes AND results of independent enquiry or corroboration TO a rational conclusion. Having the inclination to develop rationale as a compound process, I would have to clearly state, in conclusion. that not all beings are rational.

Sammi Na Boodie (thinking about it)

Thieving Magpie · 02-10-2003, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mr. Sammi
If one were to posit, rational as HAVING THE ABILITY TO CONCLUDE, then I would have to point out there are many varying types of rationale. Some bad, some good.

We are mostly accustomed to believing that rationale is a sane and positively biased function of the brain. This however does not seem to be true for all cases. IF we say that rationale is solely a function of the brain that has the ability to conclude, independent of the nature of the conclusion, or stopping short of an independent verification of the rational result, then I would have to agree with the claim that all beings are rational.

If however we tie rational results together with the rational process, then we may see in a new light the rational process as being a plural process, not a static means to the ends, but rather a dynamic ever evolving function of the brain which ties all concluding processes with feedback of their own processes AND results of independent enquiry or corroboration TO a rational conclusion. Having the inclination to develop rationale as a compound process, I would have to clearly state, in conclusion. that not all beings are rational.

Sammi Na Boodie (thinking about it)

I agree with you in many ways, however, you are restricting that which is 'rational' to rational thinking and rational analysis, but are completely ignoring rational action which is superior to both.

Organisms act to survive. Therefore, their actions are rational, whether or not they consider what they are doing. If they are retarded, or insane, their bodies still act rationally, though not as well as one who is neither retarded, nor insane.

I believe the retarded and the insane are rational in action, but are so deficiently, when compared to others, as it is only in comparison that they are recognized to be thus.

View Poll Results: What concept seems the most outlandish?
Logic can only be proved by itself, and therefore employs circular reasoning.	5	9.62%
Having faith is not only natural, but essential and unavoidable for a living person.	8	15.38%
Every theory concieved, and believed in by a person is acceptable to live by, though not all are equal in merit.	6	11.54%
Giving someone else the benefit of the doubt regarding their beliefs is more important then anything one might believe.	1	1.92%
Philosophically, it is better to prove someone right, than to prove them wrong.	1	1.92%
The method is as important as the conclusion.	1	1.92%
All living things are inherently rational creatures, including those who are insane, or retarded.	7	13.46%
God exists.	11	21.15%
Science is completely trustworthy, because logic is infallible.	5	9.62%
This is stupid, and pointless - as is Thieving Magpie for posting this.	7	13.46%
Voters: 52. You may not vote on this poll

02-10-2003, 06:08 AM	#21
Mr. Sammi Banned Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Montr�al Posts: 367	rational If one were to posit, rational as HAVING THE ABILITY TO CONCLUDE, then I would have to point out there are many varying types of rationale. Some bad, some good. We are mostly accustomed to believing that rationale is a sane and positively biased function of the brain. This however does not seem to be true for all cases. IF we say that rationale is solely a function of the brain that has the ability to conclude, independent of the nature of the conclusion, or stopping short of an independent verification of the rational result, then I would have to agree with the claim that all beings are rational. If however we tie rational results together with the rational process, then we may see in a new light the rational process as being a plural process, not a static means to the ends, but rather a dynamic ever evolving function of the brain which ties all concluding processes with feedback of their own processes AND results of independent enquiry or corroboration TO a rational conclusion. Having the inclination to develop rationale as a compound process, I would have to clearly state, in conclusion. that not all beings are rational. Sammi Na Boodie (thinking about it)

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