Do you believe there is a difference between reason and logic? If so, what?

Answer 1

Well, it's semantics, so there's bound to be as many definitions of the two words as there are philosophers, but here's my own take the issue:
Usually, "logic" refers to a set of deductions based on a few givens, with the purpose of making a prediction about something (for instance, given a=b, b≠c, then a≠c)
Reason, on the other hand, usually refers to either probabilistic deductions based on all known knowledge (like: "Given everything I know about , it seems moderately likely that will happen"), or thoughts relating to a persons priorities- specifically, resolving mental conflicts (for instance: "I want to stay in bed, but I also want to go to work. I happen to prioritize a slight measure of social standing over a moderate, but temporary, measure of physical comfort, so I'll get up").

Of course, these are only some reasonably common definitions- there really are no universally accepted formal definitions of these sorts of words, which is why most (good) philosophers go to great lengths to describe their use of semantics before actually making deductions about stuff

Answer 2

The concept of reason is connected to the concept of language, as reflected in the meanings of the Greek word "logos", later to be translated by Latin "ratio" and then French "raison", from which the English word derived. As reason, rationality, and logic are all associated with the ability of the human mind to predict effects as based upon presumed causes, the word "reason" also denotes a ground or basis for a particular argument, and hence is used synonymously with the word "cause."...

It is sometimes said that the contrast between reason and logic extends back to the time of Plato and Aristotle. Indeed, although they had no separate Greek word for logic as opposed to language and reason, Aristotle's neologism "syllogism" (syllogismos) identified logic clearly for the first time as a distinct field of study: the most peculiarly reasonable ("logikê") part of reasoning, so to speak....

No philosopher of any note has ever argued that logic is the same as reason. They are generally thought to be distinct, although logic is one important aspect of reason. But the tendency to the preference for "hard logic" in modern times has incorrectly led to the two terms occasionally being seen as essentially synonymous (see Reasoning) or perhaps more often logic is seen as the defining and pure form of reason....

Already in classical times a conflict between the Platonists and the Aristotelians developed about reason's role in confirming truth. Both Aristotle and Plato were aware of this as a question all philosophy must consider. On the one hand people use logical syllogisms such as deduction and induction in order to come to conclusions they feel are more infallible than our basic sense perceptions. On the other hand, if such conclusions are only built upon sense perceptions, then our most logical conclusions can never be said to be certain because they are built upon fallible perceptions (or fallible interpretations of perceptions). So given the impression that we are sometimes certain, as well as the desire to be certain, the question arises as to the source of our first principles. Is it only experience as claimed in “empiricist” arguments (associated by some as being more Aristotelian, and more recently with English philosophers such as David Hume) or is there some other “faculty” from which we derive our consciousness of at least some “a priori” truths (a position called “idealist” and associated with Platonism, and more recently with Immanuel Kant.

Answer 3

Yes there is. Logic decides what makes sense and what is the obvious course of action. Reason is what makes all other decisions. For instance, it is not logical to take a bullet for someone while reason enables you to.

Answer 4

somtimes they're the same sometimes they're different as Spock would say"Highly illogical Captain but ,it seems to be reasonable and logical at the same time. Most interesting."
Or perhaps a 1960s tv commercial explains it best.."Hey you got peanut butter in my chocolate! Oh,yeah well you got chocolate on my peanut butter!"

Answer 5

Reasoning means I have to use my brain even harder with emotions...

With logic...I know the proof is in the pudding...so I go for it because it makes all the sense in the world to me!

Answer 6

Yes. Logic is what is evident to make a rational decision when the deciding factor is important.
Reason gives one evidence to decide that factor of logic.........

Answer 7

logic isn't necessarily reasonable, and reason isn't necessarily logical... hmmmm makes ya think don't it! lol