Peikoff - Reason - Introduction Flashcards
(11 cards)
What is AR definition of reason?
The faculty that identifies and integrates the material provided by man’s senses.
What is an expanded definition of reason?
The faculty that enables man to discover the NATURE OF EXISTENTS — By virtue of its power to condense sensory information in accordance with the requirement of an objective mode of cognition.
What is a 3rd definition of reason?
The faculty that organizes perceptual units in conceptual terms by following the principles of LOGIC.
What are the 3 elements that are essential to reason?
Its data ==> Percepts (the senses are valid).
Its form ==> Concepts (the concepts are valid).
Its method ==> Logic (Logic is valid).
With what does reason begin?
With FACTS (sensory data).
How does reason use the sensory data?
It organizes them in accordance with FACTS (the mathematical relationships among concretes).
By what fact is reason guided?
Reason is guided at each step by RULES that rest on the fundamental fact (the law of Identity).
Theses rules that stem from the law of Identity require what from each cognition?
To be reduced back TO the facts one started with.
In regard to reason’s every element and aspect, from matter to form to method and from start to finish, ONE conclusion is inescapable:
REASO IS THE EXISTENCE-ORIENTED FACULTY.
Why should I accept reason? = …
Why should I accept reality?
Can one seek proof that reason is reliable?
No — reason is the faculty of proof.
BUT, using reason, one CAN identify its relationship to the facts of reality and thereby validate the faculty.
