Is being rational always a virtue?

Question

If someone was too rational do you think they could become overly dismissive, or lack enjoyement of life or other virtues?

Answer 1

"Rational" is always a virtue.

"Rational" does not conflict with spontaneity, humor, variety, or even love. If anything, rationality increases the effect of those. Rationality increases one's ability to forgive, understand, or empathize with another's condition. It also relieves one of the burdens of unearned guilt, jealousy, and vengeance.

"Overly dismissive" is not rational, nor is "lack of enjoyment of life". Those are irrational. For example, it is perfectly rational for a human to enjoy the aesthetics of a beautiful sunset.

Answer 2

I think that rational thought should almost always be used in critical areas, such as management, medicine, finance, etc. There are times when emotion and compassion should play a role, of course. It's probably worth while to risk the lives of some people to save the life of someone else, assuming that the risk to the several is not certain death. Does that mean entering a burning building? Maybe... it happens.

In some cases, being completely rational would be the wrong approach. Imagine a comedian who was completely rational. A funny situation would probably turn out completely dull. Or in the movies, a few suspensions of credulity make for a great story line. (Can you see Harry Potter without magic? Why bother?)

But when government or business leaders make decisions based on their faith or on what their horoscope predicts, then for me it's time to change leaders.

Answer 3

I believe that we are society that has become over-indulgent in our emotional life. This has presented all sorts of social problems, right up to and including terrorism and war.

There is something preferable to rational thought, but if left with only the two choices, I avoid emotional people for the more rational ones.

Drama queens, whiners and complainers need not apply.

Answer 4

Very few people are too rational about themselves, but some are too rational (or imagine themselves to be) about others. It's often a cover for unacknowledged, and often unattractive, feelings. In general, I think we are rational about means, but choose our ends with our hearts and our guts - no matter how much we try to fool ourselves and others.

Answer 5

I totally see myself in this question! People say I'm too rational, and just can't enjoy myself, and they're absolutely right!!
I hate it, but I don't drink, don't smoke, don't do drugs(nor would ever try)so no artificial get-in-a-good-mood stuff are an option, and I guess I THINK TOO DAMN MUCH!I really should loosen up, go crazy a bit:), but not excessively, of course
You should do it too!!
Go for it!!!

Answer 6

Someone who is overly rational is also overly boring because they are never guided by their heart.

Answer 7

The older I get, the more I'm getting into the whole Buddhist outlook of finding balance. Too much of anything is not good, including being too logical or being too emotional.

Answer 8

Even theology teaches that mankind can be sure the lifestyles of God by organic reason. this suggests that some individuals are the two incapable or unwilling to apply their reason in this type. This preliminary "evidence" turns into the inspiration for all different ideals which in themselves can use a mix of reason & faith. faith then turns right into a type of wisdom.

Answer 9

Depends on how you interpret 'rational'.

If you mean sensible, that's always a good thing.

If you mean analytical, that can be overdone so it becomes something negative.

Answer 10

yes i agree they could become overly dismissive.