Logic Quote by Hugo Mercier
““Whereas reason is commonly viewed as the use of logic, or at least some system of rules to expand and improve our knowledge and our decisions, we argue that reason is much more opportunistic and eclectic and is not bound to formal norms. The main role of logic in reasoning, we suggest, may well be a rhetorical one: logic helps simplify and schematize intuitive arguments, highlighting and often exaggerating their force. So, why did reason evolve? What does it provide, over and above what is provided by more ordinary forms of inference, that could have been of special value to humans and to humans alone? To answer, we adopt a much broader perspective. Reason, we argue, has two main functions: that of producing reasons for justifying oneself, and that of producing arguments to convince others. These two functions rely on the same kinds of reasons and are closely related.””
About This Quote
Source Paper: The Rationality of Reason, Hugo Mercier & Dan Sperber, 2017
Reason is an adaptive, flexible tool for justifying oneself and persuading others, not limited to formal logic.
In simple terms: Reason helps us justify actions and convince people.
Key Takeaway
Use reason to clarify motives and influence others.
Themes
justification
persuasion
cognitive flexibility
social interaction
Mood
analytical
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
psychological
social.
When to use this quote
- debates
- leadership
- conflict resolution
- marketing
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
eclecticism
rhetoric
evolutionary psychology
argumentation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you distinguish genuine justification from self‑serving rationalization?
- When might persuasive reasoning conflict with truth?
A Different Perspective
Reason can be misused to rationalize bias or manipulate.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
