REASON AND ABSTRACTION
Rationalism, often associated with constructivism, is misunderstood when its critics, like Bernard Mandeville and David Hume, are labeled as 'anti-rationalists.' These critics argue that for reason to be effective, we must understand its limitations and recognize the importance of unconscious processes, which constructivist rationalism often overlooks. While rationalism implies using reason effectively, it should not mean that conscious reasoning needs to dictate every action, as this can be unreasonable. Instead, there's a distinction between constructivist rationalism and evolutionary rationalism, where the latter acknowledges the use of abstractions as essential tools to navigate a world that is often complex and imperfectly understood.
Abstraction isn't merely a result of conscious thinking but is also inherent in all mental processes, whether or not they are conscious. It helps us simplify reality and focus on relevant aspects of situations, enabling successful action despite limited knowledge. Actions often stem from rules we are unaware of, challenging the idea that they are purely instinctive or intuitive. Furthermore, the emphasis on unconscious rules in our actions is distinct from concepts found in psychoanalysis. The idea of an unconscious mind as a mere shadow of the conscious that operates similarly is considered misleading. Instead, we should view these unconscious processes as fundamental to our capacity to function effectively in the world.
Rationalism, often associated with constructivism, is misunderstood when its critics, like Bernard Mandeville and David Hume, are labeled as 'anti-rationalists.' These critics argue that for reason to be effective, we must understand its limitations and recognize the importance of unconscious processes, which constructivist rationalism often overlooks. While rationalism implies using reason effectively, it should not mean that conscious reasoning needs to dictate every action, as this can be unreasonable. Instead, there's a distinction between constructivist rationalism and evolutionary rationalism, where the latter acknowledges the use of abstractions as essential tools to navigate a world that is often complex and imperfectly understood.
Abstraction isn't merely a result of conscious thinking but is also inherent in all mental processes, whether or not they are conscious. It helps us simplify reality and focus on relevant aspects of situations, enabling successful action despite limited knowledge. Actions often stem from rules we are unaware of, challenging the idea that they are purely instinctive or intuitive. Furthermore, the emphasis on unconscious rules in our actions is distinct from concepts found in psychoanalysis. The idea of an unconscious mind as a mere shadow of the conscious that operates similarly is considered misleading. Instead, we should view these unconscious processes as fundamental to our capacity to function effectively in the world.