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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 6 page paper presents the old rationalist perspective, holding that reason is essential to sustaining society. Rationalism is discussed in depth. Other opinions on the matter are duly noted, but the alternate position is refuted. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Page Count:
6 pages (~225 words per page)
File: RT13_SA011rat.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
a judge, the juror is expected to base the discussions on reason and conclude, beyond a reasonable doubt, what probably happened in a particular case. While it is assumed that
reasonable people can come to similar conclusions, and twelve minds together can form a reasonable, credible opinion on a case, the question of reason has puzzled philosophers for centuries. What
is reason? The topic in philosophy that addresses this subject is called rationalism. In explaining what reason is one usually contrasts it to other things, such as sensory experience and
introspection (Honderich 741). In other words, one is reasonable when they use logic to devise an answer. For instance, in a jury trial, several facts of a case are presented.
It is reasonable to assume, because the finger prints were on the murder weapon and fibers from a sweater were found at the crime scene that a particular suspect is
the killer. However, when he takes the stand, the good looking, well spoken man convinces an otherwise level headed juror that he could not have done the crime. The juror
might argue that she has a feeling he did not do the deed. The reality is that she is not being reasonable in her assumptions. She is not using logic
to devise her answer. What is arguable is not whether reason exists, but whether it is good. Is reasoning better than acting upon emotion? According to many old philosophers reason
is important. While rationalism had reached its peak in the early days, when philosophy was first beginning in Ancient Greece, it is something not celebrated today (Honderich 741). Parmenides said
that whatever ones senses would reveal, the notion of change involves an inherent contradiction and thus, reason demanded that reality be void of change (741). This of course is a
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