act of reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act of reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a decision or action that is based on logical thinking or rationality. Example: "The committee's decision was an act of reason, carefully considering all the evidence presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It's a terrible act of reason".

The New Yorker

A Terrible Act of Reason: When Did Self-Immolation Become the Paramount Form of Protest?

The New Yorker

And since The Man, so understood, is essentially the associate of the reasoning Soul, in our reasoning it is this "We" that reasons, in that the use and act of reason is a characteristic Act of the Soul.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Ola Lanko's Romantic Act Of Reason shows a living room claustrophobically packed with a pile-up of disparate snaps, whilst in her Testament series, Jennifer B Thoreson depicts family relationships entangled in giant amoebic blobs and ectoplasmic emissions.

The Guardian - Arts

According to Grosseteste in On Free Decision, "free decision" in its concrete usage refers to a decision, a certain kind of act of reason.

SEP

Its act, which consists in desiring and loving God, is preferable to the act of reason, which is represented only by knowing God.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But acts of reason and scientific speculation are just the beginning of his imaginings.

The New York Times - Books

The upshot of this is that all desires are not only (at least potentially) under the control of reason, they are acts of reason.

SEP

But a fixed determination is not to be baffled by disappointment; nor will I allow that to be a frantic attempt, which was one of the calmest acts of reason.

Wikipedia

Instead, they are 'grasped by an intuitive act of human reason' (FE 3).

SEP

The fourth choice is reliance on actions by people, such as switching on protective equipment; unfortunately, the person concerned may fail to act, for a number of reasons, such as forgetfulness, ignorance, distraction, poor instructions, or, after an accident, because he or she has been injured.

What Went Wrong? Case Histories of Process Plant Disasters and How They Could Hare Been Avoided

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "act of reason", ensure the context clearly demonstrates that the action or decision was primarily driven by logic and rational thinking, rather than emotion or impulse.

Common error

Avoid using "act of reason" to describe actions that are clearly driven by emotion or personal bias. This can create a disconnect for the reader and undermine your credibility. For emotionally driven actions consider using words like "impulse", "instinct" or "intuition".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act of reason" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As noted by Ludwig AI, it denotes an action or decision predicated on logical and rational thought processes. It is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "act of reason" is a noun phrase that denotes a decision or action based on logic and rationality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in formal writing. While its usage is relatively rare, it is consistently employed in contexts that emphasize careful deliberation, particularly in scientific, academic, and news media. Alternative phrases like "rational decision" or "reasoned action" can be used to convey similar meanings. When using this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects a process driven by logic rather than emotion to maintain clarity and credibility. Remember to avoid overusing it in emotional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rational decision

Focuses on the decision-making aspect, emphasizing the rationality behind the choice.

reasoned action

Highlights the action itself as being based on reason.

logical step

Implies a progression of thought or action that follows logically from previous steps.

rational choice

Similar to "rational decision", but emphasizes the selection from multiple options.

thoughtful act

Emphasizes the consideration and deliberation involved in the action.

prudent measure

Suggests an action taken with foresight and careful consideration of consequences.

sensible course of action

Indicates a practical and reasonable approach to a situation.

act of deliberation

Highlights the process of careful consideration and discussion before taking action.

intelligent response

Focuses on the action as a smart and well-considered reaction to a stimulus.

wise move

Implies an action that demonstrates good judgment and understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "act of reason" in a sentence?

You can use "act of reason" to describe decisions or actions based on logical thinking. For example: "The committee's decision to postpone the project was an "act of reason", given the unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "act of reason"?

Some alternatives to "act of reason" include "rational decision", "reasoned action", or "logical step", depending on the specific context.

Is "act of reason" a formal or informal phrase?

"Act of reason" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic contexts. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

What's the difference between "act of reason" and "act of faith"?

"Act of reason" refers to a decision or action based on logic and evidence, while "act of faith" implies a decision or action based on belief without concrete proof. The two phrases represent fundamentally different approaches to decision-making.