Single Idea 23437

[catalogued under 20. Action / C. Motives for Action / 3. Acting on Reason / a. Practical reason]

Full Idea

Practical rationality is goodness in respect of reason for actions, just as rationality of thinking is goodness in respect of beliefs.

Gist of Idea

Practical reason is goodness in choosing actions

Source

Philippa Foot (Interview with Philippa Foot [2003], p.35)

Book Reference

-: 'Philosophy Now' [-], p.35


A Reaction

It is very Greek to think that rationality involves goodness. There seems to be a purely instrumental form of practical reason that just gets from A to B, as when giving accurate street directions to someone.