Q&A: Defining Logical Thinking
Defining Logical Thinking
Question
Hello to the distinguished Rabbi of philosophy,
I wanted to ask: does every concept require a definition? And without a definition, does it not exist? After all, many times a concept is too elusive to receive a formal definition. And sometimes we have no concepts external to the concept being defined in order to define it—for example, the color red. And if every definition itself requires a definition, we will arrive at an infinite regress of definitions.
B. I also wanted to ask, despite all that, what does the Rabbi think is the definition of logical, “rational” thinking? After all, it would seem impossible that the very concept of logic, which analyzes definitions, should itself have no definition of its own.
I think it is a form of systematic thinking that infers the truth of factual claims about the world in a relatively deductive way. But that doesn’t sound right.
Answer
A. Indeed, that is correct, and I’ve written this several times (including here on the site), and I brought as an example Mr. Pirsig. For example, in the series on poetry (column 108, if I remember correctly).
B. Why is that impossible? On the contrary, perhaps דווקא because it comes prior to logic, it cannot be applied to itself. To make rational thinking depend on logical validity is to empty it of all content (since every logical argument is built on premises that cannot themselves be derived logically from a valid argument). Alternatively, rationality is only a relative matter: set your goals however you please, and from that point on you must act to achieve them rationally (that is, in a way that follows validly from those goals). \
Discussion on Answer
That’s what comes out for you (not “for us”). If you think that’s what follows from my words, it is beyond me how you arrived at that.
“Rationality is only a relative matter”
And also, “Set your goals however you please, and from that point on you must act to achieve them rationally (that is, in a way that follows validly from those goals).”
You just omitted the opening: “To make rationality depend on logical validity…”
It’s like I answer you, “Not true,” and you quote me as having written, “True.”
So then, according to the Rabbi, what is the definition—or close definition—of the concept of rationality?
The precise definition of rational thinking is: thinking that matches my thinking 🙂
Best regards, R. Zion List
I don’t have one. A partial definition is the relative definition: to act in a way that advances my goals in the optimal manner. But regarding the choice of the goals themselves, it is hard to give a definition.
So in practice what comes out is a rather grim reality: rational thinking is deductive thinking. And all we have left is to hope that at the end of the day it’s also correct.