Arguing over definitions is pointless if we’re trying to name ideas. Arguing over definitions is absolutely necessary if there’s disagreement over how to understand the stated positions of a third party. Establishing clear definitions is extremely important.
If someone has committed themselves to rationality, it’s natural for us to ask “what do they mean by ‘rationality’?” They should already have a clear and ready definition, which once provided, we can use to understand their commitment.
Sure, it is useful to ask for clarification when we don’t understand what someone is saying. But we don’t need to settle on one “correct” meaning of the term in order to accomplish this. We can just recognize that the word is used to refer to a combination of characteristics that cognitive activity might possess. I.e. “rationality” usually refers to thinking that is correct, clear, justified by available evidence, free of logical errors, non-circular, and goal-promoting. Sometimes this general sense may not be specific enough, particularly where different aspects of rationality conflict with each other. But then we should use other words, not seek to make rationality into a different concept.
“But we don’t need to settle on one “correct” meaning of the term in order to accomplish this. ”
We do in order to understand what we’re saying, and for others to understand us. Switching back and forth between different meanings can not only confuse other people but confuse ourselves.
To reach truly justified conclusions, our reasoning must be logically equivalent to syllogisms, with all of the precision and none of the ambiguity that implies.
Arguing over definitions is pointless if we’re trying to name ideas. Arguing over definitions is absolutely necessary if there’s disagreement over how to understand the stated positions of a third party. Establishing clear definitions is extremely important.
If someone has committed themselves to rationality, it’s natural for us to ask “what do they mean by ‘rationality’?” They should already have a clear and ready definition, which once provided, we can use to understand their commitment.
Sure, it is useful to ask for clarification when we don’t understand what someone is saying. But we don’t need to settle on one “correct” meaning of the term in order to accomplish this. We can just recognize that the word is used to refer to a combination of characteristics that cognitive activity might possess. I.e. “rationality” usually refers to thinking that is correct, clear, justified by available evidence, free of logical errors, non-circular, and goal-promoting. Sometimes this general sense may not be specific enough, particularly where different aspects of rationality conflict with each other. But then we should use other words, not seek to make rationality into a different concept.
“But we don’t need to settle on one “correct” meaning of the term in order to accomplish this. ”
We do in order to understand what we’re saying, and for others to understand us. Switching back and forth between different meanings can not only confuse other people but confuse ourselves.
To reach truly justified conclusions, our reasoning must be logically equivalent to syllogisms, with all of the precision and none of the ambiguity that implies.