Rationality

I intend for this subset to cast a wider net than merely logic or other tools for thought: by rationality, specifically, I mean overcoming our distortions of reality itself, not just our gaffes in reading words or numbers. We are much more plagued by bias, a lack of self-awareness, and silly bits of sloppy and evolved judgement-making than we are by struggles with formal argument. In fact, it’s worth arguing that fallacies of various kinds are simply the left brain’s dressing-ups of what begins as an almost instinctive predilection. After all, the most inane thinkers and thoughts can be dressed up in ostensible (and often persuasive) “logical” constructions. Unless we learn about these automatic and unconscious tendencies—and actively work to challenge them—no amount of formal training can prevent puerile thinking.