The Enigma of Reason
Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Epistemology, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Science & Nature, Science
| Author: | Hugo Mercier | ISBN: | 9780674977846 |
| Publisher: | Harvard University Press | Publication: | April 17, 2017 |
| Imprint: | Harvard University Press | Language: | English |
| Author: | Hugo Mercier |
| ISBN: | 9780674977846 |
| Publisher: | Harvard University Press |
| Publication: | April 17, 2017 |
| Imprint: | Harvard University Press |
| Language: | English |
If reason is so useful and reliable, why didn’t it evolve in other animals and why do humans produce so much thoroughly reasoned nonsense? Hugo Mercier and Dan Sperber argue that reason is not geared to solitary use. It evolved to help justify our beliefs to others, evaluate their arguments, and better exploit our uniquely rich social environment.
If reason is so useful and reliable, why didn’t it evolve in other animals and why do humans produce so much thoroughly reasoned nonsense? Hugo Mercier and Dan Sperber argue that reason is not geared to solitary use. It evolved to help justify our beliefs to others, evaluate their arguments, and better exploit our uniquely rich social environment.
