{"product_id":"the-enigma-of-reason-067423782x","title":"The Enigma of Reason","description":"\u003ch2\u003eKey Ideas and Evidence\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe authors draw on evidence from psychology, anthropology, and neuroscience. They examine classic experiments on confirmation bias, the Wason selection task, and reasoning in non-Western cultures. A central insight is that reasoning works well when we are accountable to others—in groups, debates, or democratic processes. This has implications for education, politics, and everyday decision-making. The book is packed with intriguing examples, from law courts to online arguments, making complex ideas accessible.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat Is the Enigma of Reason?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhy do humans have well over one hundred cognitive biases? What purpose does reasoning serve if it so often leads us astray? In \u003cstrong\u003eThe Enigma of Reason\u003c\/strong\u003e, Hugo Mercier and Dan Sperber tackle these questions head-on, offering a provocative new theory. Reasoning, they argue, is not a solitary tool for logical thought. It is a social phenomenon—evolved to help us communicate, persuade, and evaluate others. This book upends centuries of philosophical assumptions about human rationality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho Should Read This Book\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you have ever wondered why people hold irrational beliefs or how to argue more effectively, this book is for you. It appeals to philosophers, psychologists, and anyone interested in the science of the mind. Readers have praised its blend of rigorous research and engaging storytelling. \u003cstrong\u003eThe Enigma of Reason\u003c\/strong\u003e is not just a book about reason—it is a demonstration of reasoned dialogue at its best.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eThe Social Function of Reasoning\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMercier and Sperber present reasoning as an adaptation for social interaction. We reason not to improve our own beliefs, but to produce and evaluate arguments in dialogue. This explains why our reasoning is often biased: we are skilled at finding reasons for our own views and spotting flaws in others'. The book draws on a wealth of experiments and case studies to support this interactionist perspective. It challenges the notion that reason is a flawless instrument of truth-seeking and instead highlights its role in cooperation and conflict.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eRecommended Edition and Format\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis paperback edition is ideal for students, educators, and curious readers. Its dimensions (15.2 x 22.9 centimetres) make it comfortable to hold, and the durable binding withstands repeated reading. The text is enhanced by clear diagrams and footnotes that guide further exploration. Whether for a university course or personal study, this edition provides a reliable and enjoyable reading experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy This Book Matters for Humanist Thought\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eHumanism places reason at the centre of ethical and intellectual life. \u003cstrong\u003eThe Enigma of Reason\u003c\/strong\u003e deepens this tradition by exploring what reason actually is. It does not diminish reason’s value; rather, it reframes it as a tool for social coordination. For anyone interested in humanist philosophy, this book offers a nuanced understanding of our cognitive faculties. It engages with key thinkers from Socrates to modern cognitive scientists, enriching the ongoing dialogue about human agency and rationality.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48338039570670,"sku":null,"price":63.48,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0816\/1158\/7822\/files\/613sutwnPAL._SL1000.jpg?v=1784299493","url":"https:\/\/vitamin4ca.com\/products\/the-enigma-of-reason-067423782x","provider":"vitamin4ca","version":"1.0","type":"link"}