The Possibilities and Limitations of the “Rational”

Abstract

In this paper I will introduce a new definition of the “rational” from the perspective of phenomenological sociology. We cannot realize our own views until we doubt the self-evidence of daily experience. We cannot live normally without believing in the certainty of reality that is highly typified. Confidence in a typified reality is based on the experience of one's childhood. The origin of the unquestioned belief in the image of the typified world is founded on a “we-relationship.” In a “we-relationship” we have a pre-predicative experience and become one indivisible unit.
When we experience difficulty in our life, at first we think it cannot be resolved. However, we sometimes experience a conversion in our viewpoints and find a new way to resolve problems. The work of “reason” is to make us realize that we can think and feel “in another way.” “Reason” makes us find our “interpretational scheme” and our typical ways of thinking. Realizing this fact, we can obtain flexibility.
We should consider the community, the possibility of communication and the comprehension of others with flexibility. We should then open our minds and free ourselves from our biases toward society and others. These are all the roles of “reason.”
After we find out the directions and possibilities for better, newer relations by means of “reason, ” we should put them into practice. The relationships among individuals are not merely ideas but actually exist. At this point we should not consider but actively participate. In order to construct a better community we should repeatedly bet against the unknown reaction and judgement of others. We should create a new desirable relationship and also self-evidence. The relationship should be constantly renewed.