Reason

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Revision as of 11:24, 21 September 2004 by 64.12.117.19 (talk)
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The method of consciousness at the conceptual level: how man integrates percepts into concepts and valid conclusions, to discover the nature of reality. Reason is unique to man, and is distinct from general problem-solving ability found in animals, because it operates in terms of concepts and not just percept, and is volitional. Man is not born with reason, but rather is born with the faculty of reason -- the ability to discover the method known as reasoning. The emphasis on method of reason is particularly important in Objectivist epistemology.

Reason depends on the use of logic. Ayn Rand defines logic as "non-contradictory identification."