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Single Idea 24475

[catalogued under 18. Thought / A. Modes of Thought / 5. Rationality / b. Human rationality]

Full Idea

Real human beings are not, for the most part, in conscious control of - or even consciously aware of - their reasoning.

Gist of Idea

We are largely unaware of how we reason

Source

G Lakoff / M Johnson (Philosophy in the Flesh [1999], 01)

A Reaction

The accceptance of this idea sweeps away huge chunks of the philosophical tradition, but it strikes me as correct. Most people hold lots of strong views, but struggle to articulate why they hold them.

Book Reference

Lakoff,G/Johnson,M: 'Philosophy in the Flesh' [Basic Books 1999], p.5