![]() ![]() In classical philosophical terms, it is very important to distinguish three domains of human activity: theoretical reason, which investigates the truth of contingent events as well as necessary truths practical reason, which determines whether a prospective course of action is worth pursuing and productive or technical reason, which attempts to find the best means for a given end. ![]() ![]() Utilitarians tend to see reason as an instrument for the satisfactions of wants and needs. ![]() Thomistic ethics defines the first principle of practical reason as "good is to be done and pursued, and evil is to be avoided." For Kant, practical reason has a law-abiding quality because the categorical imperative is understood to be binding one to one's duty rather than subjective preferences. Practical reason is understood by most philosophers as determining a plan of action. For example, agents use practical reason to decide whether to build a telescope, but theoretical reason to decide which of two theories of light and optics is the best. It contrasts with theoretical reason, often called speculative reason, the use of reason to decide what to follow. In philosophy, practical reason is the use of reason to decide how to act. ![]()
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