In philosophy as well as in everyday discussion, we find various meanings of "reason" and "rationality". Some identify rationality with the ability to argue logically, even with the ability to calculate. Others use the word "reason" when they mean the ability to organize sensations by means of concepts. Still others regard a person as rational if he or she trusts in sensuous experience. Rationality may be taken to be a property of the one who does what is necessary to do to realize one's goals. Some say that striving for certain goals, such as wisdom or happiness, makes one a rational human being. Everyday discussion tends to construe emotions as opposites of reason; in philosophy, the opposition has been both supported and challenged. One may also be called rational or reasonable if one is able to reflect on and to evaluate one?s thought and action. These and other articulations of reason and rationality will be discussed in the course on "Human rationality". The course will cover such themes as "Human logic and theoretical rationality", "The practical aspects of theoretical rationality", "The interpretations of practical rationality", "Rationality and normativity", "Rationality and morality", "Rationality and emotions", "Rationality and irrationality", and "Rationality and scientific research".

Each course meeting will consist of a lecture followed by general discussion. Participants should read in advance the texts specified at the beginning of the course.