The article discusses the traditional concept of reason and its evolution throughout Western philosophy. Initially viewed as a divine endowment symbolized by Athena, reason has dominated philosophical thought, inspiring major movements such as the Enlightenment. However, neuroscientist Antonio Damasio argues against the idea of pure rationality in his book 'Descartes' Error', suggesting that reason is not as straightforward or exalted as previously believed. This contemporary reevaluation raises significant implications for understanding human intelligence and decision-making in the context of evolutionary biology.
I became convinced that the traditional views on the nature of rationality could not be correct. And so I began writing this book to propose that reason may not be as pure as most of us think it is or wish it were.
This idea of 'divine reason' has, in one way or another, dominated Western philosophy and thought. It inspired the Enlightenment, the scientific revolution, and secular humanism.
Prometheus... could only do so much with clay, and looking out over the inanimate eyes of muddy figurines made him sad. So he needed Athena.
Now, however, we've gone the other way. Now, reason and intelligence are dragged through the evolutionary mud.
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