reason

(noun)

The capacity for consciously making sense of the world based on logic and evidence.

Related Terms

Examples of reason in the following topics:

  • Reasoning and Inference

    • Reason is how we form inferences about the world; there are different types of reasoning, which have different advantages.
    • Reason and reasoning (i.e., the ability to apply reason) are associated with thinking, cognition, and intelligence.
    • Deductive reasoning has the advantage that, if your original premises are true in all situations and your reasoning is correct, your conclusion is guaranteed to be true.
    • Scientists use inductive reasoning to create theories and hypotheses.
    • Inductive reasoning is more practical to the real world because it does not rely on a known claim; however, for this same reason, inductive reasoning can lead to faulty conclusions.

  • Different Lines of Reasoning

    • Apply two different lines of reasoning—inductive and deductive—to consciously make sense of observations and reason with the audience.
    • Reason is the capacity for consciously making sense of things.
    • Reason, or "reasoning," is associated with thinking, cognition, and intelligence.
    • Inductive reasoning involves association or analogical reasoning.
    • Deductive reasoning contrasts with inductive reasoning in that a specific conclusion is arrived at from the general principle when reasoning deductively.

  • Logic

    • Aristotle (384-322BCE) is usually credited with formalizing syllogistic or deductive reasoning.
    • Francis Bacon (1561-1626) is credited with formalizing inductive reasoning.
    • It is of course, incorrect to say, as has sometimes been said, that Bacon invented the inductive method of reasoning. ...
    • Inductive reasoning is the process of inferring information from empirical observations.
    • Abduction is the insight that occurs with less conscious formal reasoning than either induction or deduction.

  • Reasoning

    • We use many mental shortcuts when conducting inductive, deductive, abductive, and analogous reasoning to find a solution to a problem.
    • Reason or "reasoning" is associated with thinking, cognition, and intellect.
    • In order to solve problems, we utilize four major forms of reasoning: deduction, induction, abduction, and analogy.
    • Induction is often described as reasoning that derives general principles from specific observations.
    • Unlike deductive reasoning , it allows for the possibility that the conclusion is false, even if all the premises are true.

  • Ethics Training

    • Moral reasoning is the process in which an individual tries to determine what is right and what is wrong.
    • People use moral reasoning in an attempt to do the right thing.
    • Moral reasoning is the consideration of the factors relevant to making these types of assessments.
    • Reasonableness: Reasonableness balances openness to the views of others with commitment to moral values and other important goals.
    • Explain the role of ethical moral reasoning in the business environment

  • Scientific Reasoning

    • To do this, they use two methods of logical thinking: inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning.
    • This type of reasoning is common in descriptive science.  
    • Deductive reasoning or deduction is the type of logic used in hypothesis-based science.
    • In deductive reason, the pattern of thinking moves in the opposite direction as compared to inductive reasoning.
    • Studies in climate change can illustrate this type of reasoning.

  • Deploying a Rational Appeal

    • Our focus on reasoning and how you to use evidence to reason with your audience is part of the study of logos.
    • Prior to your speech, it is important to consider the soundness of your evidence and reasoning.
    • Inductive reasoning: If you are engaging in inductive reasoning, you will want to consider whether you have observed or collected enough evidence to draw a highly probable conclusion.
    • Associative reasoning (analogy): When engaging in associative reasoning, you will want to make sure that the ideas are indeed similar and that there are no obvious or outstanding differences which would negate the association in the mind of your audience.
    • In addition, if you have built ethos with the audience then it will enhance your appeal with arguments from reason.

  • An objective measure for finding the best line

    • The resulting dashed line shown in Figure 7.12 demonstrates this fit can be quite reasonable.
    • The following are three possible reasons to choose Criterion (second equation) over Criterion (first equation):
    • The first two reasons are largely for tradition and convenience; the last reason explains why Criterion (7.10) is typically most helpful.

  • Evaluating the Normal approximation exercises

    • Explain your reasoning using the graphs provided below.
    • Explain your reasoning using the graphs provided below.
    • The data appear to be reasonably approximated by the normal distribution.

  • Reasons to avoid international markets

    • The reasons given for not going international are numerous.