Understanding Practical Reason: Concepts and Theories
What is Practical Reason?
The ability to reach practical judgments under a system of rules.
- Consistency
- Coherence
- Grounded
- Empirical truth
- Effectiveness
- Optimization
- Reflexivity
Three Concepts of Practical Reason
The Aristotelian
The Hobbesian
The Kantian
Hobbesian Theory Representatives
Buchanan
Gauthier
Slave Contract Negotiation
Buchanan points out that a slave contract is a negotiation.
Foucault’s Underlying Desire and Power
According to Foucault, desire and power lurk behind every speech.
Kant’s Rationality Concept
Universality is the basis of rationality in Kant’s philosophy.
Rationality in Discourse Theory
Procedural rationality of a universal.
Procedural Theories Standard
A standard is correct only if it results from a particular procedure.
Contractual Theories Procedure
A process of negotiation.
Speech Theories Procedure
A method of argument.
Crux of Contractual Theory
The concept of rational decision.
Crux of Speech Theory
The concept of rational opinion.
Rational Opinion Definition
Defined by rational reasoning or argumentation.
Argument Definition
Rationale in any position.
Rational Practical Discourse
When arguing satisfies rational practice.
Defining Practical Reason
The ability to reach practical judgments under a rule system.
Robert Alexy’s Discourse Rule System
Divided into two groups:
- Rules relating to argument structure
- Rules relating to discourse procedure
Rules Regarding Argument Structure (Alexy)
- Rules requiring non-contradiction
- Rules requiring consistent use of predicates
- Rules requiring linguistic-conceptual clarity
- Rules requiring empirical truth of premises
- Rules requiring deductive completeness
- Rules requiring consideration of consequences
- Rules requiring weights
- Rules requiring role exchange
- Analysis of moral conviction emergence
Rules Regarding Discourse Procedure (Alexy)
- Any speaker can participate.
- Everyone can question assertions, make assertions, and express opinions/desires/needs.
- No speaker may be prevented from exercising these rights.
Universal Condition of Approval (Alexy)
Acceptable only if consequences satisfy everyone’s interests based on arguments.
Kant’s Legislature Beginning
The concurring will of all, choosing the same for everyone, creating a universally popular lawmaker.
Fundamental Premise of Speech Theory
Participants can distinguish good from bad reasons.
Constitution of Mexico Example
The constitution exists as a fact.
Speech Process and Participant Ability
Assumed that participants have reasoning ability.
Alexy’s Communicative Practice Foundation
- Arguing about interest weight
- Taking others seriously as individuals
Alexy’s Universal Validity of Discourse Rules
Argument with three parts:
- Transcendental pragmatic argument
- Argument of individual utility maximization
- Empirical premise