A Simple Way to Understand Rationality … and Irrationality
“Rationality,” like any other word, can be used to mean different things. [1] But one meaning in particular appeals to me because it sheds light on a couple of mysteries about rationality. One of the mysteries is that rationality, which often prides itself on being the mode of justification par excellence, cannot itself be justified, that is, in its own terms as rational, without begging the question. The other mystery is how some human beings, including fully functional human beings, can nevertheless profess irrationality and even in fact be irrational. I propose that the solution of both mysteries lies in understanding rationality very simply as a tool, and in particular as a tool for accomplishing things or achieving goals with maximal efficiency and efficacy. By efficiency I mean in the swiftest and most economical manner and by efficacy I mean accomplishing them at all. Given this understanding of what it means to be rational, it is easy enough to understand why some people