The Enigma Of Reason by Hugo Mercier

A New Theory of Human Understanding

The book explores the concept of reason, challenging traditional views that regard it as a tool for individual cognition and decision-making. Instead, it presents the argument that reason evolved primarily as a social mechanism to facilitate communication and cooperation among humans. By examining various psychological and evolutionary perspectives, the authors suggest that reason's primary function is to justify our beliefs and actions to others and to evaluate the justifications presented by others. This social perspective on reason offers insights into human behavior, highlighting its strengths and limitations in both personal and collective contexts.