80-150 Nature of Reason
9 units, Carnegie Mellon University
One of the oldest concerns of philosophy is right thinking and to devise systems of ideal reasoning to this end. On the other side of that ideal, we find an abundance of different forms of reasoning, different ideals, purposes, systems, and devices produced and constrained by human psychology, technology, and culture. The very nature of reason is philosophically contested and subject to study by various scientific disciplines. In this class we will survey developmental stages of formal logic and reasoning from ancient geometry and shamanism to medieval theological proof machines and early modern scientific methods. The whole class will decide on two theories of reasoning or tools for reasoning to be discussed in the last two sessions. You will get to choose a formal or computational tool from anywhere in history and, throughout the semester, explore its significant capabilities and limitations by contrasting it with your own theory of reason. There are no in-class exams. Instead, there will be a steady and moderate workload in the form of weekly and bi-weekly assignments pertaining to our readings and your project and a take-home exam at the end. This allows you to receive continuous feedback on how well you apply the general concepts of this class to the individual issue you chose. Classes will be heavy on discussion and in-class activities with occasional lectures.
Prerequisites: none listed
Offered: Fall 2026, Summer 2026, Spring 2026
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