Rational Meaning

Rational Meaning
Author: Laura (Riding) Jackson
Publisher: University of Virginia Press
Total Pages: 638
Release: 1997
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 9780813916828

Existing only in manuscript since the 1940s but enjoying an underground reputation among friends and advocates, this primary document by one of the most original and influential of American poets and thinkers is now being published as Rational Meaning, Laura (Riding) Jackson's testament of the necessity of living for truth. Begun as a dictionary and thesaurus in the 1930s, the work developed into a fundamental reevaluation of language itself. Riding, in close collaboration with her husband, continued this monumental project over the succeeding decades, completing it after his death in 1968. At the core of Rational Meaning, which aims to restore the truth of language by arguing that meaning inheres in words, stands the idea that a total renovation of the knowledge of language is needed, not to develop mere verbal sophistication and respectability but fundamentally to reinvigorate the intellectual processes of consciousness. The book reveals the disastrous extent to which language has been "unlearned" and shows how it may be learned again. Rational Meaning will be essential reading, not only for students of literature but for radical-minded linguists and lexicographers unhappy with the orthodoxies current in their disciplines.

Rationality

Rationality
Author: Steven Pinker
Publisher: Penguin UK
Total Pages: 272
Release: 2021-09-28
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 0241380308

A TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2021 'Punchy, funny and invigorating ... Pinker is the high priest of rationalism' Sunday Times 'If you've ever considered taking drugs to make yourself smarter, read Rationality instead. It's cheaper, more entertaining, and more effective' Jonathan Haidt, author of The Righteous Mind In the twenty-first century, humanity is reaching new heights of scientific understanding - and at the same time appears to be losing its mind. How can a species that discovered vaccines for Covid-19 in less than a year produce so much fake news, quack cures and conspiracy theorizing? In Rationality, Pinker rejects the cynical cliché that humans are simply an irrational species - cavemen out of time fatally cursed with biases, fallacies and illusions. After all, we discovered the laws of nature, lengthened and enriched our lives and set the benchmarks for rationality itself. Instead, he explains, we think in ways that suit the low-tech contexts in which we spend most of our lives, but fail to take advantage of the powerful tools of reasoning we have built up over millennia: logic, critical thinking, probability, causal inference, and decision-making under uncertainty. These tools are not a standard part of our educational curricula, and have never been presented clearly and entertainingly in a single book - until now. Rationality matters. It leads to better choices in our lives and in the public sphere, and is the ultimate driver of social justice and moral progress. Brimming with insight and humour, Rationality will enlighten, inspire and empower. 'A terrific book, much-needed for our time' Peter Singer

Unsettled Thoughts

Unsettled Thoughts
Author: Julia Staffel
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Total Pages: 228
Release: 2020-01-05
Genre: Rationalism
ISBN: 0198833717

How should thinkers cope with uncertainty? What makes their degrees of belief rational, and how should they reason about uncertain matters? In epistemology, recent research has attempted to answer these questions by developing formal models of ideally rational credences. However, we know from psychological research that perfect rationality is unattainable for human thinkers--and so this raises the question of how rational ideals can apply to human thinkers. A popular reply is that the more a thinker's imperfectly rational credences approximate compliance with norms of ideal rationality, the better. But what exactly does this mean? Why is it better to be less irrational, if we can't ever be completely rational? And what does being closer to ideally rational amount to? If ideal models of rationality are supposed to help us understand the rationality of human, imperfect thinkers, we need answers to these questions. Unsettled Thoughts breaks new ground in the study of rationality in providing these answers: we can explain why it's better to be less irrational, because less irrational degrees of belief are generally more accurate and better at guiding our actions. Moreover, the way in which approximating ideal rationality is beneficial can be made formally precise by using a variety of distance measures that track the benefits of being more rational.

Obesity, or Excessive Corpulence: The Various Causes and the Rational Means of Cure

Obesity, or Excessive Corpulence: The Various Causes and the Rational Means of Cure
Author: J.-F. Dancel
Publisher: DigiCat
Total Pages: 87
Release: 2022-09-04
Genre: Fiction
ISBN:

DigiCat Publishing presents to you this special edition of "Obesity, or Excessive Corpulence: The Various Causes and the Rational Means of Cure" by J.-F. Dancel. DigiCat Publishing considers every written word to be a legacy of humankind. Every DigiCat book has been carefully reproduced for republishing in a new modern format. The books are available in print, as well as ebooks. DigiCat hopes you will treat this work with the acknowledgment and passion it deserves as a classic of world literature.

Obesity, Or Excessive Corpulence: The Various Causes and The Rational Means of Cure

Obesity, Or Excessive Corpulence: The Various Causes and The Rational Means of Cure
Author: Franois Dancel
Publisher: Prabhat Prakashan
Total Pages: 81
Release: 2023-10-01
Genre: Fiction
ISBN:

Obesity, or Excessive Corpulence: The Various Causes and the Rational Means of Cure by François Dancel Obesity, or Excessive Corpulence: The Various Causes and the Rational Means of Cure presents a comprehensive exploration of the complex issue of obesity. Authored by François Dancel, a renowned medical expert, this book delves into the causes, effects, and potential remedies for excessive weight gain. Drawing on scientific research and practical knowledge, Dancel provides valuable insights into the physiological, psychological, and societal factors contributing to obesity. With a focus on rational approaches to treatment and prevention, this informative guide offers a path toward healthier living and a deeper understanding of this widespread health concern. Key points: In-depth Examination of Obesity: François Dancel takes a thorough and systematic approach to dissecting the multifaceted problem of obesity. He delves into its various causes, ranging from genetic factors to lifestyle choices, shedding light on the intricate interplay between biology, environment, and behavior that contributes to excessive corpulence. Evidence-based Strategies for Treatment and Prevention: The book presents evidence-based strategies for managing and preventing obesity, emphasizing the importance of adopting rational and sustainable approaches. Dancel provides insights into dietary interventions, exercise regimens, and psychological support, equipping readers with practical tools to address and overcome the challenges associated with obesity. Holistic Perspective: Obesity, or Excessive Corpulence takes a holistic perspective by examining not only the physical aspects of obesity but also its psychological and social dimensions. Dancel explores the emotional and mental factors that influence eating behaviors, as well as the societal influences and stigma associated with weight. This comprehensive view fosters a deeper understanding of obesity as a complex issue and encourages a compassionate and nuanced approach to its management.