In English we don't distinguish between two kinds of reason, but in Greek, Latin, and German there are distinct words: one for logical procedures (as a computer could do), the other for being a reasonable person (understanding humanity in complexity, not consuming with hatred or rage, taking things out of context).

factualpending

Speaker

Iain McGilchrist

Evidence Quote

in english unfortunately we don't make much of a distinction but in greek in latin and in german there are distinct words for two kinds of reason one is the carrying out of logical procedures in the way that a computer could be taught to do and the other is what was always considered the flower of education... the capacity to produce people who were reasonable people [1:09:18]

Source

Iain McGilchrist: The Coincidence of OppositesRalston College
Created: 8/10/2026, 10:45:38 PM

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