Significance of Reason
Synonyms: Cause, Explanation, Justification, Motivation, Purpose, Account, Logic, Motive, Ground
In Dutch: Reden; In Finnish: Aiheuttaa; In Spanish: Razón; In German: Grund; In Swedish: Resonera; In Malay: Sebab; In French: Raison; In Portugese: Razão; In Polish: Powód; In Italian: Motivo
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Reason'
In Buddhism, Reason functions as justification, rationale, and logical basis for claims, arguments, and actions. It's analyzed for validity, particularly regarding proving the destruction of things, and establishing relationships like cause and effect, as well as supporting concepts such as the momentary nature of existence and the value of virtues.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Based on the examples of images and objects, this cannot be considered unacceptable because what is shown does not change the object.[1] (2) In the context of the text, 'reason' refers to the premise or argument put forward by another party, which the author deems 'unproven' or 'inadmissible' in relation to the 'cause' of the lotus.[2] (3) The power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgements logically, which is deemed ‘Inconclusive’ in the Buddhist argument.[3] (4) It is put forward as potentially inconclusive if the teaching might have proceeded from delusion; a subsequent answer refutes this possibility.[4] (5) The "Reason" is the premise in the argument that the commonalty is an entity and is apprehensible by sense-perception because it is something cognizable, other than Negation, suggesting the Buddhist's reasoning is inadmissible due to the rejection of commonalties.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The three events that the extracts tell about serve as justification, which is why they are called reasons.[6] (2) It is also known as nimitta, and it means ‘grounds’ or the basis for an argument.[7]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The explanation for why two Buddhas do not arise in one field, related to the nature of Buddhas.[8]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) The text is completed by this, and it is revealed by the text; therefore, let there be this and the text.[9]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The causal relationship existing between consciousness and its respective sensory bases, indicating that each consciousness is absent when its corresponding base is.[10]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) The underlying motivations or purposes for establishing monastic rules, such as the excellence and comfort of the Order, and the control of undesirable conduct.[11]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Discrimination is the defining characteristic of it, setting it apart from perception and the concept of a soul in beings.[12]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) Logical thinking that supports virtues and true friendships.[13]
Hindu concept of 'Reason'
In Hinduism, Reason functions as justification, explanation, or inquiry within various contexts. It provides understanding for actions, events, and feelings, serving as a tool for clarity and transformation. Reason also aids in decision-making, offering a logical basis for understanding the world.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The text explores the cause or explanation for the husband of the goddess of fortune to reside in Dvaraka.[14] (2) Refers to an inquiry by Shri Rukmini regarding the cause of Krishna's delay.[15] (3) A justification or explanation for a particular action or event within the narrative.[16] (4) The explanation or justification for why Dvaraka arrived, which, when heard, has the power to transform one's heart.[17] (5) The explanation or cause behind an occurrence.[18]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The reason is the cause or explanation that the brahmana, who leads the dacoits, claims to be aware of, as stated in the text.[19] (2) The 'reason' is absent in Shri Mishra's assessment, leading him to disbelieve that the son will stay at home, indicating a lack of justification.[20] (3) The text refers to the cause of the Lord's crying, prompting people to ask for an explanation.[21]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) My rich egoism flies at the approach of this, as a heavy loaded robber, flies before the advance of day light.[22] (2) The faculty that dispels ignorance, functioning like light that drives away darkness, contributing to the disappearance of egoism.[23] (3) The wise man conducts his business with the calm coolness of the mind, assisted by reason and practical wisdom, according to the minister.[24] (4) Reason is a tool that allows individuals to lessen their woes when acting, and therefore, reasonable people should never be disregarded.[25]
From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya
(1) This is what the disciple of Maharaja Vatsa will tell the king about why he was laughing.[26]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Reason is mentioned alongside the scriptures, indicating that the monarch's decisions should be based on sound judgment and logical thinking.[27]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The illusion of duality can be established by this, independent of Scriptures.[28]
From: Prashna Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Also known as buddhi, determines, I must do this, component of the five-fold mind.[29]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A logical explanation or justification, particularly in the context of philosophical arguments concerning bondage and release.[30]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) The logical basis or justification presented in an argument aimed at proving the conclusion.[31]
The concept of Reason in local and regional sources
Reason is presented as a multifaceted concept. It encompasses the justification for actions, a core principle of Humanism, and a faculty for judgment. However, the text also highlights Reason's limitations, its connection to sense perceptions, and its potential for flaws and contradictions within a natural context.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The text advocates for presenting Yoga as an appeal to reason, emphasizing its logical and systematic nature rather than relying solely on faith or belief.[32] (2) A shining instrument used to critically examine religious claims, often leading to conflicts with religion, but also considered essential for justifying and understanding religion.[33] (3) Reason has limitations, a foundation, and decline, being surrounded by Agnosticism and Atheism, and it is implied that it can't reach beyond the finite.[34] (4) This itself, being based upon contradiction, is a circle and has to kill itself; it is a flawed way of knowing.[35] (5) This is a higher state of knowledge, which is fallible and makes mistakes often, but has a larger scope, according to the text.[36]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Reason, as Professor Keynes pointed out, is paradoxically viewed by Russell, who believes that human affairs are conducted irrationally and that a dose of reason is needed to correct them.[37] (2) Bertrand Russell even proclaimed that he became a slave to reason, demonstrating his commitment to rational thought and intellectual honesty above all else.[38] (3) It is considered the chief source and test of knowledge, enabling people to govern themselves, a supreme and innate human quality applicable to shaping the future.[39] (4) Reason is the foundation of modernity, shaping a world-view and frame of mind, and it is a crucial aspect of how modernity approaches understanding and managing the world.[40] (5) It is described as being resplendent and something that dawned to dispel doubt and found judgement.[41]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The daughter explained that her husband had a very good reason for his peculiar behavior.[42] (2) The cause or justification for the divorce, which was the wife's extravagance and wasting of the husband's resources behind his back.[43]
The concept of Reason in scientific sources
Reason in this context has two distinct applications. Firstly, it signifies the cultural justification for male circumcision. Secondly, it highlights the motivations and factors that influence a woman's decision regarding abortion.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Besides reason, gnosticism and contemplation have a strong tradition in Islamic Sufism, showing the value of logical thought processes in Islamic thought.[44] (2) This is considered essential, though not autonomous, and is compared to vision, which requires external light to function, just as it needs the illumination of revelation.[45] (3) Reason is considered alongside faith and passion, indicating an exploration of the role of rationality and logical thinking in belief systems and decision-making processes.[46] (4) Reason is characterized as belonging with and characterizing the secular, and its modern separation from religion embodies the crisis and contradiction of philosophy of religion.[47] (5) The scholars of ahl al-ra’y are said to have developed very strict conditions for accepting hadith and depended more on reason.[48]
From: Religious Inquiries (Journal)
(1) Reason generates binding principles and is not in conflict with faith, according to Qadi ꞌAbd al-Jabbar, and once it identifies the moral value of actions, it serves as the prescription.[49] (2) Reason is a means of knowledge acquisition and is seen alongside the heart in belief, though not always of equal status.[50] (3) The text uses the word reason as a keyword, as it is the subject of debate between Abu Hatam and Muhammad b. Zakariyya Razi.[51] (4) Reason, in Kierkegaard's theology, has no contribution as either a necessary or sufficient condition, but for the Ash'arites, reason is a necessary but not sufficient condition, requiring the guidance of shar‘.[52]
From: South African Family Practice
(1) This is considered alongside creativity in the context of cognitive development, as indicated by Kaufman and Baer.[53] (2) The provided text focuses on the reasons that women give for contemplating or undergoing abortion, exploring the various factors that influence their decisions.[54]
From: South African Journal of HIV Medicine
(1) Culture was viewed as the major reason for male circumcision.[55]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) The study identified "Reasons" as one of the key attributes when considering a possible merger or acquisition, managers scoring high in this attribute attach greater importance to staffing issues, geographical expansion, and adding staff.[56]
Classical concept of 'Reason'
From: The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle
(1) The text suggests that to be good, one must live in accordance with a sort of reason and right order, provided that this has force, highlighting the importance of rational governance.[57] (2) Reason is the best state of mind and is most dear to the gods, and that they should reward those who love and honor this most, as caring for the things that are dear to them and acting both rightly and nobly.[58] (3) Reason is considered a guiding element, potentially divine, that contemplates noble and divine matters, and the activity aligned with its virtue leads to perfect happiness, making reason a central aspect of a fulfilling life.[59] (4) Reason serves as an originative source of movement, and its absence in brutes makes their badness less hurtful compared to the evil that humans can inflict.[60] (5) Reason is identified as one of the three things in the soul which control action and truth, implying that reason plays a significant role in guiding behavior.[61]
From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)
(1) Reason is a characteristic attributed to the camel's reply, suggesting that the animal's response to the driver's question is logical and well-considered within the story.[62]