The Rational Versus Rationalism

Most humans’ actions internally are one hundred percent rational. Their thoughts justify their conduct. Biologically, it makes sense that actions, beyond reflex, is performed based upon logic. Thus, even egregious behaviors are rational.

This rationality, however, is accomplished through misinterpretation, re-definition, hallucination or simply ignorance. In other words, people thoughts are internally logical. As a result, individuals committing an objectively evil act often will provide a justification for their actions, i.e. I stole some food because I was hungry. The internally concocted reason validates what had been done. Deconstructing the food theft’s reason, no would deny that for someone hungry requires food. Thus, there is a nugget of logic. For these individuals, upon reflection, they might have a mea culpa.

Outside of this individual, there is societal rationality. Most outsiders, viewing the certain conduct, might find it aberrant. In these instances, however, a lesser societal group might share the reasoning and rationality supporting such an aberrant act. In some circumstances, they may endorse it.

Recently, a provocative act of “political violence” occurred. While it has been largely condemned, there are those who differ. They have expressed “political violence” as a justification for the act. The rational presented is that they consider their opponents’ speech and legislative actions as “political violence.” Thus, they make an equation “political violence = opposition’s political discourse.” With that mindset, “political violence” is being countered with “political violence.” Thus, violence is met with violence.

This example reveals that societal rationality fails to deliver unanimity concerning heinous acts. Thus, humanity requires measures to break this moral logjam. As such, humanity requires an ultimate authority on core values. This was perhaps recognized when humans accepted divine authority in the form of scripture. Thus, to root out and resolve humans’ disposition towards errant rationality, commandments such as “thou shalt not murder” were accepted.

In sum, most human actions are done with a level of justification. This justification, however, might be deficient. Further, the justification may not be in alignment of either consensus societal values or divine authority. Humanity’s greatest challenge may be to improve moral-rational alignment on all levels.

Be well!!

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