Reasoning

Eric Pacuit

Philosophy

University of Maryland

Reasoning is a transition in thought, where some beliefs (or thoughts) provide the ground or reasons for coming to another.

J. Adler, Introduction: Philosophical Foundations, In Reasoning: Studies in Human Inference and its Foundations, Cambridge University Press, 2008

I need to pick up my daughter at 3:30 PM

      I better put the slides on the website.

My keys are either in my office or locked in my car.

My keys are not in my office.

So, my keys are locked in my car.

Oranges are either fruits or musical instruments.

Oranges are not fruits.  

So, oranges are musical instruments.

Bill brought his backpack to class every day so far this semester.  

So, Bill will bring his backpack to the next class.

In January 2016, it snowed in College Park.

In January 2017, it snowed in College Park.

In January 2018, it snowed in College Park.

In January 2019, it snowed in College Park.

In January 2020, it snowed in College Park.

What is the course about?

What does it mean to be rational or reasonable as opposed to irrational or unreasonable?

What are the rules or formal constraints that govern rational transitions in thought?