Clarifying “reason”
Throughout this course, the word “reason” can mean different things, depending on context.
The first three definitions mentioned below describe verb forms of the word; the fourth and fifth are noun forms. Direct sources of any of the definitions are in italics and parentheses.
1. “Reason” = “Premise”
“Reason” can step in for “premise,” at times when it’s used as a statement proffered in support of a claim of an argument, as we learned in the previous topic.
2. “Reason” = “Explanation”
A reason, perhaps in its most popular sense, is simply, a “statement offered in explanation or justification.” (merriam-webster.com) In this sense, it is also synonymous with “cause” or “rationale.”
3. “Reason” = “The power of thinking rationally”
“Reason” (also meriam-webster.com) can also refer to “the power of comprehending, inferring, or thinking especially in orderly rational ways.” This is a very important sense of the word “reason” and is a large component of critical thinking. (We will be applying reason to many argument components very soon!”
4. “Reason” = “To use reason to make decisions“
Here “reason” means using the faculty of reason so as to arrive at conclusions.” (meriam-webster.com) (“Reason” used this way most likely corresponds to sense number three, above.)
5. “Reason” = “To use reason to persuade“
In this sense, you would “reason” with someone to try to get them to believe or do something. (Dictionary, Apple Inc.)
In future lessons and topics, we will look at claims and premises through the lens of reason (in the third sense above) to help us determine if they are true, valid, and relevant.
Meantime, we understand that the differences between the “reason” meanings can be subtle and confusing. The following quiz may be helpful in sorting them out a bit.