Human Reasoning and Emotions: Logos, Rationality, and Personhood
Reasoning and Feelings
1. Logos as the Human Essence
- Logos, the ability to understand and explain reality, is the defining characteristic of humans.
- It involves using language to discuss concepts.
- Logos enables us to live in society because we share a common language.
- Wisdom involves analyzing and deciding what is good in the world, guided by knowledge or agreement.
2. Reason and Rationality
The word “reason” is used in many different ways. As Kant said, there are different uses of reason. Today, rationality is analyzed in many ways, highlighting the use of reasoning.
2.1 Theoretical and Practical Reasoning
There are two ways we use reason: to attain truth (theoretical) and happiness (practical). Kant distinguished between theoretical reason (dealing with what cannot be otherwise) and practical reason (dealing with what may be otherwise). Practical reasoning is also known as “reasonableness”.
2.2 Vital and Historical Reasoning
Reasoning is a product of history. Ortega y Gasset called this “vital reason”. Vital reason can be a kind of reason that arises from the experience of life itself.
2.3 Instrumental and Communicative Rationality
We now use purely theoretical knowledge as a resource (instrumental rationality) to create tools that help us master nature. Extending this instrumental approach to social relationships is called “strategic rationality”, which involves using reason to solve problems and achieve personal goals in daily life.
2.4 Objective Reasoning of the Heart
The concept of “reasoning of the heart” suggests that we are aware of truth and justice not only through sound reasoning but also through human affection and feelings. The heart, affection, and emotions are not the opposite of pure mathematical reasoning. Those who are incapable of feeling emotions may also be incapable of rejecting injustice.
3. Humans as Personal Beings
1. The Concept of Person
1.1 Ancient and Medieval Origins
The Latin word “persona” originally referred to a mask or character in a play. In its etymological sense, a person is a character. The term was first used to refer to the three divine persons and to human beings. Tertullian was the first to use the term “person” in a legal context to refer to a legal subject.
- Rational Status: Humans are part of nature.
- Single Substance: Humans progress on their own, without anyone’s help.
1.2 Illustrated Origin of the Kantian Concept
To be independent means to love the common people and to have autonomy. This gives dignity to the human being. According to Kant, people have absolute value; they are ends in themselves and should be treated with respect.
1.3 The Personalist Movement
Personalism views the human person as both an individual and a collective reality. Emmanuel Mounier founded the personalist movement.