Rationality

/ˌɹæʃ.əˈnæl.ɪ.ti/ noun

Definition

The quality of being consistent with reason and logic; the capacity for making decisions that maximize expected outcomes.

Etymology

From Latin 'rationalis' meaning 'of or belonging to reason,' from 'ratio' (reason, calculation).

Kelly Says

Rationality is your brain at its most logical — it means thinking things through carefully instead of going with your gut.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Enlightenment philosophy opposed 'reason' (masculine, public) to 'emotion' (feminine, private), systematically devaluing women's intellectual contributions and excluding them from knowledge-making institutions.

Inclusive Usage

Recognize that emotion and intuition inform reasoning; avoid pitting 'rationality' against care, embodiment, or affect. Value diverse ways of knowing.

Inclusive Alternatives

["reasoning","logic","evidence-based thinking"]

Empowerment Note

Women philosophers, scientists, and mathematicians were systematically excluded from 'rationality' discourse; historians of science now credit women whose contributions were erased or attributed to men.

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