Single Idea 12174

[catalogued under 18. Thought / A. Modes of Thought / 5. Rationality / a. Rationality]

Full Idea

It is only rational beings who can be attentive without a motive; only rational beings who can be interested in that in which they have no interest.

Gist of Idea

Only rational beings are attentive without motive or concern

Source

Roger Scruton (Laughter [1982], §12)

Book Reference

Scruton,Roger: 'The Aesthetic Understanding' [Methuen 1983], p.165


A Reaction

Rational beings make long term plans, so they cannot prejudge which things may turn out to be of interest to them. Scruton (a Kantian) makes it sound a little loftier than it actually is.