The Life of Reason by George Santayana
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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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
- First Steps and First Fluctuations
- The Discovery of Natural Objects
- On Some Critics of this Discovery
- Nature Unified and Mind Discerned
- Discovery of Fellow-Minds
- Concretions in Discourse and in Existence
- On the Relative Value of Things and Ideas
- How Thought is Practical
- The Measure of Values in Reflection
- Some Abstract Conditions of the Ideal
- Flux and Constancy in Human Nature
- Love
- The Family
- Industry, Government, and War
- The Aristocratic Ideal
- Democracy
- Free Society
- Patriotism
- Ideal Society
- How Religion May Be an Embodiment of Reason
- Rational Elements in Superstition
- Magic, Sacrifice, and Prayer
- Mythology
- The Hebraic Tradition
- The Christian Epic
- Pagan Custom and Barbarian Genius Infused into Christianity
- Conflict of Mythology with Moral Truth
- The Christian Compromise
- Piety
- Spirituality and Its Corruptions
- Charity
- The Belief in a Future Life
- Ideal Immortality
- Conclusion
- The Basis of Art in Instinct and Experience
- Rationality of Industrial Art
- Emergence of Fine Art
- Music
- Speech and Signification
- Poetry and Prose
- Plastic Construction
- Plastic Representation
- Justification of Art
- The Criterion of Taste
- Art and Happiness
- Types and Aims of Science
- History
- Mechanism
- Hesitations in Method
- Psychology
- The Nature of Intent
- Dialectic
- Prerational Morality
- Rational Ethics
- Post-Rational Morality
- The Validity of Science