Rationality: A Philosophical Inquiry into the Nature and the Rationale of Reason (Clarendon Library of Logic and Philosophy)

Contending that only a normative theory of rationality can be adequate to the complexities of the subject, this book explains and defends the view that rationality consists of the intelligent pursuit of appropriate objectives. Rescher considers the mechanics, rationale, and rewards of reason, and argues that social scientists who want to present a theory of rationality while avoiding the vexing complexities of normative deliberations must amend their perspective of the rational enterprise. An analysis and defence of the view that rationality consists in the intelligent pursuit of appropriate objectives, considering the mechanics, rationale and rewards of reason. The central thesis is that only a "normative" theory of rationality can be adequate to the complexities of the subject. Nicholas Rescher. Includes Bibliographical References And Indexes.