The Life of Reason
Author: George Santayana The Life of Reason is a philosophical treatise by George Santayana, published in 1905. It explores the nature of reason and its role in human life, arguing that reason is not just a tool for solving problems but an essential aspect of human existence. Santayana posits that reason is a dynamic and creative force that shapes our understanding of the world and ourselves. He also examines the tension between reason and emotion, arguing that they are complementary rather than opposing forces. The book is considered a classic in the field of philosophy and continues to influence contemporary thought.
By George Santayana · First published 1905 · Genre: Philosophy, Non-fiction · 57 chapters · 337,703 words
First lines
Existence always has an Order, called Chaos when incompatible with a chosen good.
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The Life of Reason is listed on Textopian as an essay by George Santayana, dated 1905 CE.
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- Work type: Essay
- Author: George Santayana
- Date: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophy, Non-fiction
- Length: 337,703 words
- Structure: 57 chapters, 2,264 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Similar titles
- On Believing by Hilaire Belloc
- God The Invisible King by H. G. Wells
- Mysticism And Logic by Bertrand Russell
- A Pluralistic Universe by William James
- Intellect by Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Science by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Philosophy — This book discusses various philosophical concepts and theories elaborated by George Santayana.
- Non-fiction — The book is a collection of factual information based on the author's observations of life, human nature, reason and its role in the existence of mankind.
Tags
Philosophy · Metaphysics · Epistemology · Aesthetics · Historical Philosophy · Critique of Modernity · Naturalism · Idealism · Pragmatism · Skepticism · Empiricism · Rationalism
Contents
- The Birth of Reason
- Love
- How Religion May Be an Embodiment of Reason
- The Basis of Art in Instinct and Experience
- Types and Aims of Science
- First Steps and First Fluctuations
- The Family
- Rational Elements in Superstition
- Rationality of Industrial Art
- History
- The Discovery of Natural Objects
- Industry, Government, and War
- Magic, Sacrifice, and Prayer
- Emergence of Fine Art
- Mechanism
- On Some Critics of this Discovery
- The Aristocratic Ideal
- Mythology
- Music
- Hesitations in Method
- Nature Unified and Mind Discerned
- Democracy
- The Hebraic Tradition
- Speech and Signification
- Psychology
- Discovery of Fellow-Minds
- Free Society
- The Christian Epic
- Poetry and Prose
- The Nature of Intent
- Concretions in Discourse and in Existence
- Patriotism
- Pagan Custom and Barbarian Genius Infused into Christianity
- Plastic Construction
- Dialectic
- On the Relative Value of Things and Ideas
- Ideal Society
- Conflict of Mythology with Moral Truth
- Plastic Representation
- Prerational Morality
- How Thought is Practical
- The Christian Compromise
- Justification of Art
- Rational Ethics
- The Measure of Values in Reflection
- Piety
- The Criterion of Taste
- Post-Rational Morality
- Some Abstract Conditions of the Ideal
- Spirituality and Its Corruptions
- Art and Happiness
- The Validity of Science
- Flux and Constancy in Human Nature
- Charity
- The Belief in a Future Life
- Ideal Immortality
- Conclusion