... consists of information from introduction to objectivis

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• Reason
• An Introduction
• By Valentin Baca

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What this is and isnt

• This is not a lecture on reason. Im not a
  professor or an expert this is not a class.
• This is meant to briefly cover the essentials of
  Objectivist epistemology Reason.
• This presentation mostly consists of information
  from Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology by
  Ayn Rand, The Ayn Rand Lexicon edited by Harry
  Binswanger and the Wikipedia page on Objectivist
  epistemology

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Why discuss Reason at all?

• Reason is simply defined, but understanding it,
  its role in our life and its process are not
  simple tasks.
• Epistemology is a large branch of philosophy that
  handles the questions, implications, and
  difficulties regarding the question How do we
  know? To expect to encompass all of this in one
  presentation or discussion is illogical (no pun
  intended)
• However, Reason is the core of Objectivism.

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A definition of Reason

• "n. the power of the mind to think, understand,
  and form judgments by a process of logic."
• "v. think, understand, and form judgments by a
  process of logic."- New Oxford American
  Dictionary
• Reason is the faculty that identifies and
  integrates the material provided by man's
  senses. "The Objectivist Ethics" VOS
• In essence It's how we know (and how we know we
  know)

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Concepts

• Only humans are capable of the conceptual level.
  This is based on the sensational and perceptual
  levels (which other animals are capable of
  having) and are a valid source of immediate
  knowledge.
• Reason applied to perceptions concepts and
  propositions
• The concept of unit is exclusive to mans mind.

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Concept-formation

• A mental integration of two or more possessing
  the same distinguishing characteristic(s), with
  their particular measurements omitted. TARL
• Ex coffee table and dinning table.
• Ex2 coffee table A B
• Ex3 People

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Abstractions

• Defining of humans (ex. two in two oranges and
  two potatoes)
• Df a selective mental focus that takes out or
  separates a certain aspect of reality from all
  others
• As such, do not exist. Are only an
  epistemological method of perceiving that which
  does exist.

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Definition of Definition

• The truth or falsehood of all mans conclusions,
  inferences, thought and knowledge rests on the
  truth or false hood of his definitions.
• For Objectivism, the essence or -ness of
  something is epistemological, not metaphysical.
• A properly formed definition is in context and
  are expandable by future definitions without the
  latter contradicting the former.

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Axioms

• Existence and consciousness. I am. I think.
• Irreducible. Any attempt to disprove is
  impossible, as disproving requires their
  acceptance.
• Ex Prove you exist. You must exist to be asked
  this question, and what would be the alternative?
  Nonexistence? An appropriate reply might be
  Prove I dont exist.

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SoWHAT IS Reason?

• Base Knowledge on observation
• Form concepts according to the actual
  (measureable) relationships, among concretes
• Use concepts according to the rules of logic
  (ultimately the Law of Identity A is A)
• Each step is based on facts of reality, the
  conclusions reached by a process of reason are
  objective. (Objectivism anyone?)

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Consider the following

• Is reasonable the same as being fair?
• What are common ideas that require a lack or
  renunciation of reason?
• How do you use reason in your day-to-day?
• What common things cause you to be irrational?
  Can you correct these things? Do you want to?
• Is there such a thing as too much reason?
• What have you encountered that reason hasnt been
  applicable?