The Architecture of Reason

Bol

The literature on theoretical reason has been dominated by epistemological concerns, treatments of practical reason by ethical concerns. This book sets out a theory of rationality applicable to both practical and theoretical reason. It also explains how experience grounds rationality, and attacks the egocentric conception of rationality. The literature on theoretical reason has been dominated by epistemological concerns, treatments of practical reason by ethical concerns. This book overcomes the limitations of dealing with each separately. It sets out a comprehensive theory of rationality applicable to both practical and theoretical reason. In both domains, Audi explains how experience grounds rationality, delineates the structure of central elements, and attacks the egocentric conception of rationality. He establishes the rationality of altruism and thereby supports major moral principles. The concluding part describes the pluralism and relativity his conception of rationality accommodates and, taking the unified account of theoretical and practical rationality in that light, constructs a theory of global rationality--the overall rationality of persons. Rich in narrative examples, intriguing analogies, and intuitively appealing arguments, this beautifully crafted book will spur advances in ethics and epistemology as well in philosophy of mind and action and the theory of rationality itself.

Bol Partner

Sets out a comprehensive theory of rationality applicable to both practical and theoretical reason. In both domains, this book explains the role of experience in grounding rationality, delineates the structure of central elements - particularly belief, desire and action - and attacks the egocentric view of rationality. This book sets out a comprehensive theory of rationality applicable to both practical and theoretical reason. In both domains, Audi explains the role of experience in grounding rationality, delineates the structure of central elements - particuarly belief, desire and action - and attacks the egocentric view of rationality. He defends a rational altruism that supports important moral principles, and concludes with an account of global rationality - the overall rationality of persons.