Reason Quote by Herbert Simon
““We see that reason is wholly instrumental. It cannot tell us where to go; at best it can tell us how to get there. It is a gun for hire that can be employed in the service of whatever goals we have, good or bad.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Administrative Behavior by Herbert Simon, 1947
Reason serves as a tool for achieving goals, not a guide for choosing them; it can be used for any purpose, moral or immoral.
In simple terms: Reason is a tool, not a moral compass.
Key Takeaway
Use reason to evaluate ends, not to decide them.
Themes
reason
instrumentality
ethics
decisionmaking
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business strategy
- public policy
- personal decisions
- technology development
- legal reasoning
Key Concepts
instrumental rationality
goal‑oriented cognition
Questions to Reflect On
- What values guide your goals?
- How do you ensure reason serves ethical ends?
A Different Perspective
Reason cannot resolve moral dilemmas without a value framework.
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