Rational Quote by R. G. Collingwood
““Rational truth—and all truth is rational—is essentially that which can justify itself under criticism and in discussion.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Idea of History, R. G. Collingwood, 1936
Truth must be defensible through criticism and dialogue; rationality is self‑justifying.
In simple terms: Truth stands if it can be defended in discussion.
Key Takeaway
Seek evidence that survives critique.
Themes
philosophy
logic
epistemology
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- scientific research
- public policy
- media analysis
Key Concepts
critical rationalism
dialectic
self‑justification
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes a claim rational?
- How can we test self‑justifying truths?
A Different Perspective
Not all truths are easily testable or discussable.
![“[I]t is truth alone-scientific, established, proved, and rational truth-which is capable of satisfying nowadays the awakened minds of all classes. We may still say perhaps, 'faith governs the world,'-but the faith of the present is no longer in revelation or in the priest-it is in reason and in…” quote by Henri Frederic Amiel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7b6/henri-frederic-amiel-1276_awakened_i-t-is-truth-alone-scientific-establishe_1150069.jpg)
