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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
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Rationality summary
What It Is, Why It's Scarce, and How to Get More
24 mins
Brief summary
'Rationality' by Steven Pinker explores the principles of rational thinking and how to apply them in everyday life. It provides valuable insights into how to think critically, make sound decisions, and avoid common cognitive biases.
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Rationality
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Key idea 1 of 7
Rationality is a means to an end.
Let’s start at the beginning: what is rationality? Dictionaries tell us that rational means “having reason.” And reason comes from the Latin word ratio, which means – you guessed it – “reason.”
So, if etymology leads us in circles, could philosophy help? Philosophers state that rationality is the ability to use knowledge to attain goals. Better?
Let’s break that down. The term knowledge refers to justified true beliefs. We wouldn’t credit someone with being rational if they knowingly acted on false beliefs – like looking for a misplaced wallet someplace they knew it couldn’t be. But there’s more to rationality than simply thinking true thoughts like “1 + 1 = 2.” It also helps us do things.
The key message here is: Rationality is a means to an end.
In 1890, the American philosopher William James wrote an essay on the difference between rational beings and nonrational entities.
James observed that if you scatter iron filings on a table and place a magnet near them, they fly toward the magnet and stick to its surface. But cover the magnet with a card and they press against its surface – it never occurs to them to bypass the card and come into direct contact with the object that attracts them. Now consider Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Juliet is Romeo’s “magnet.” When there’s no obstacle in his path, he moves toward her in a straight line just as the filings moved toward the real magnet. But here’s the difference. When Romeo finds his path blocked, he alters course. Romeo and Juliet don’t remain on either side of this obstacle, “idiotically pressing their faces against its opposite sides like the magnet and the filings with the card.”
In the play, Romeo and Juliet use their knowledge of the world to overcome hurdles. Romeo scales walls to touch Juliet’s lips, and the couple scheme to deceive their hostile families.
For James, this is what sets nonrational entities and rational beings apart. Iron filings move in a straight line toward their goal. But their path to that goal is fixed – that’s why the card impedes them so easily. It’s the other way round for rational beings. Romeo and Juliet’s desired end – being together – is fixed, but they’re highly flexible about how they achieve that goal.
This is human rationality in action: when one path is blocked, we can always try another.
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What is Rationality about?
Rationality (2021) explores the faculty that sets us apart from other species: reason. The ability to think rationally drives individual and social progress. It allows us to attain our goals and create a fairer world. But rationality isn’t just something we do as individuals – it also sustains our best institutions.
Rationality Review
Rationality (2021) by Steven Pinker is a thought-provoking exploration of rational thinking and decision-making. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- With its comprehensive analysis of human cognition and biases, it offers valuable insights into improving our decision-making processes.
- The book presents convincing arguments backed by research, helping readers understand the importance of rationality in various aspects of life.
- Through engaging anecdotes and real-life examples, it brings the subject to life, making it an enjoyable and eye-opening reading experience.
Who should read Rationality?
- Would-be rationalists
- Philosophical thinkers
- Anyone who loves big ideas
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Rationality FAQs
What is the main message of Rationality?
The main message of Rationality is the importance of thinking logically and making informed decisions.
How long does it take to read Rationality?
The reading time for Rationality varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Rationality a good book? Is it worth reading?
Rationality is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in improving their thinking skills. It provides valuable insights and practical techniques.
Who is the author of Rationality?
The author of Rationality is Steven Pinker.
What to read after Rationality?
If you're wondering what to read next after Rationality, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Blank Slate by Steven Pinker
- Enlightenment Now by Steven Pinker
- Weapons of Math Destruction by Cathy O’Neil
- The Stuff of Thought by Steven Pinker
- The Art of Reading Minds by Henrik Fexeus
- Speak Like a CEO by Suzanne Bates
- Behave by Robert Sapolsky
- What Money Can't Buy by Michael J. Sandel
- The Algebra of Wealth by Scott Galloway
- Superintelligence by Nick Bostrom