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Rationality in Action (Jean Nicod Lectures),New
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The study of rationality and practical reason, or rationality in action, has been central to Western intellectual culture. In this invigorating book, John Searle lays out six claims of what he calls the Classical Model of rationality and shows why they are false. He then presents an alternative theory of the role of rationality in thought and action.A central point of Searle's theory is that only irrational actions are directly caused by beliefs and desiresfor example, the actions of a person in the grip of an obsession or addiction. In most cases of rational action, there is a gap between the motivating desire and the actual decision making. The traditional name for this gap is 'freedom of the will.' According to Searle, all rational activity presupposes free will. For rationality is possible only where one has a choice among various rational as well as irrational options.Unlike many philosophical tracts, Rationality in Action invites the reader to apply the author's ideas to everyday life. Searle shows, for example, that contrary to the traditional philosophical view, weakness of will is very common. He also points out the absurdity of the claim that rational decision making always starts from a consistent set of desires. Rational decision making, he argues, is often about choosing between conflicting reasons for action. In fact, humans are distinguished by their ability to be rationally motivated by desireindependent reasons for action. Extending his theory of rationality to the self, Searle shows how rational deliberation presupposes an irreducible notion of the self. He also reveals the idea of free will to be essentially a thesis of how the brain works.
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- Q: What is the main topic of 'Rationality in Action'? A: 'Rationality in Action' explores the concept of rationality and practical reason, outlining six claims of the Classical Model of rationality and providing an alternative theory presented by John Searle.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Rationality in Action'? A: The book is authored by John R. Searle, a prominent philosopher known for his work in the philosophy of language and mind.
- Q: What is the publication date of this book? A: 'Rationality in Action' was published on January 24, 2003.
- Q: How many pages does 'Rationality in Action' have? A: The book contains a total of 319 pages.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: 'Rationality in Action' is available in paperback binding.
- Q: What philosophical concepts does Searle address in the book? A: Searle addresses concepts such as free will, rational decision-making, and the distinction between rational and irrational actions.
- Q: Is 'Rationality in Action' suitable for beginners in philosophy? A: Yes, Searle's writing is accessible and invites readers to apply philosophical ideas to everyday life, making it suitable for those new to philosophy.
- Q: Does the book discuss the idea of weakness of will? A: Yes, Searle discusses weakness of will as a common phenomenon, contrary to traditional philosophical views.
- Q: What edition of the book is available? A: 'Rationality in Action' is available in a New Edition.
- Q: Can I apply the concepts from this book to real-life situations? A: Yes, Searle encourages readers to apply his philosophical ideas to everyday situations and decision-making processes.