In this thought-provoking conversation (debate?) from iai.tv [Institute of Art and Ideas], Shahidha Bari asks Cambridge philosopher and author of Think: A Compelling Introduction to Philosophy, Simon Blackburn, psychiatrist and author of The Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World, Iain McGilchrist [also author of The Divided Brain and the Search for Meaning, a $0.99 Kindle only essay companion to the book], and radical journalist Beatrix Campbell, whether we should embrace the irrational.
I'm not sure I agree with the premise, which would be that we are or we want to be rational beings. Mostly, we are irrational (emotional) beings who create elaborate rationalizations for our irrational beliefs and/or behaviors.
If that is the premise, I am not sure that we should so much embrace the irrational as we should seek to bring into the light of rational thought the non-rational/irrational beliefs that inform, influence, and motivate our behaviors.
Still, these are always interesting discussions.
The Limits of Logic
Simon Blackburn, Beatrix Campbell, Iain McGilchrist. Hosted by Shahidha Bari.
Logicians don't rule the world or get the most done. Could it be that a consistent world view is neither desirable nor achievable? If we abandon the straightjacket of rationality might this lead to a more powerful and exciting future, or is it a heresy that leads to madness?
The Panel: Shahidha Bari asks Cambridge philosopher and author of Think, Simon Blackburn, psychiatrist and author of The Master and His Emissary, Iain McGilchrist, and radical journalist Beatrix Campbell, whether we should embrace the irrational.
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