Arguing Quote by Steven Pinker
“Reason is non-negotiable. Try to argue against it, or to exclude it from some realm of knowledge, and you've already lost the argument, because you're using reason to make your case. And no, this isn't having "faith" in reason (in the same way that some people have faith in miracles), because we don't "believe" in reason; we use reason.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker, 2011
Reason is essential and cannot be dismissed without undermining the very argument you rely on; it is a tool, not a belief.
In simple terms: Reason must be used, not ignored.
Key Takeaway
Use reason consistently in debates.
Themes
logic
critical thinking
argumentation
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- policy making
- personal decision making
- public discourse
Key Concepts
rationalism
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure reason stays objective?
- When might emotion complement reason?
A Different Perspective
Reason can be limited by cognitive biases and emotional influences.
