capacity for rational thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capacity for rational thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability of individuals or entities to think logically and make reasoned decisions. Example: "The study aimed to assess the capacity for rational thought in children as they develop critical thinking skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

By James Surowiecki November 3, 2008 Charles Krauthammer coined the phrase Bush Derangement Syndrome to describe the way people's hatred of George W. Bush blinded them to reality and erased their capacity for rational thought.

The New Yorker

Philosophers have frequently opposed our capacity for rational thought to "the passions", or the emotions, and many have argued that living a good human life involves controlling, subduing, or even eliminating one's emotions and appetites.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He was interested in the way in which our humanity was grounded in very primitive aspects of ourselves — our need to think in terms of myth, narrative, the stories we tell about who we are as a people — and in our capacity for rational thought".

The New York Times

You are that future being that in some sense inherits its mental features beliefs, memories, preferences, the capacity for rational thought, that sort of thing from you; and you are that past being whose mental features you have inherited in this way.

SEP

White didn't dispute the killings, but his team managed to convince the jury that White's capacity for rational thought had been diminished.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Competency includes various capacities for rational thought, self-control, and freedom from debilitating pathologies, systematic self-deception, and so on.

SEP

Smart people do foolish things because intelligence is not the same as the capacity for rational thinking.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And the power for rational thought is thereby dwarfed.

The New York Times - Books

There's not time for rational thought in the millisecond day-to-day interactions you have.

The Guardian - Opinion

Is he suggesting that digesting American popular culture is a prerequisite for rational thought?

The New York Times

But Saatchi has a ready answer: "I don't think bereavement is a disqualification for rational thought".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In philosophical or psychological contexts, use "capacity for rational thought" when exploring the fundamental abilities that define human intelligence and consciousness.

Common error

Avoid assuming that humans always act with complete "capacity for rational thought". Acknowledge the influence of emotions, biases, and unconscious processes in decision-making to provide a more nuanced and realistic perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capacity for rational thought" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It denotes a specific ability or potential related to logical thinking. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts discussing the diminishing effects of external factors on this ability or in philosophical discussions about the nature of human intelligence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capacity for rational thought" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the ability to think logically and make reasoned decisions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While not exceptionally common, this phrase appears in a range of contexts, predominantly in news and media and scientific discussions. It's important to acknowledge the influence of emotions and biases when evaluating rational thought. Alternatives such as "ability to reason logically" and "capability for logical thinking" offer similar meanings, with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ability to reason logically

Focuses on the 'ability' aspect rather than 'capacity', emphasizing the skill of reasoning.

capability for logical thinking

Replaces 'rational thought' with 'logical thinking', providing a more direct synonym.

aptitude for sound judgment

Highlights the 'judgment' aspect, implying a natural talent for making good decisions.

potential for reasoned analysis

Emphasizes the 'potential' to perform 'reasoned analysis', suggesting a future capability.

power of logical reasoning

Uses 'power' to indicate strength and effectiveness in reasoning.

facility in critical thinking

Replaces 'rational thought' with 'critical thinking', emphasizing analytical skills.

intellectual capacity for reasoning

Adds 'intellectual' to emphasize the cognitive aspect of the capacity.

cognitive ability for rationalization

Shifts focus to 'rationalization', the process of justifying beliefs or actions.

mental faculty for logical thought

Uses 'mental faculty' to refer to an inherent mental ability.

discernment and sound reasoning skills

Highlights 'discernment', the ability to perceive subtle differences, alongside reasoning.

FAQs

How can I use "capacity for rational thought" in a sentence?

You can use "capacity for rational thought" to discuss someone's ability to make logical decisions, for example: "Stress can significantly diminish an individual's "capacity for rational thought"."

What's the difference between "capacity for rational thought" and "ability to reason"?

"Capacity for rational thought" refers to the general potential for logical thinking, while "ability to reason" describes the current skill or aptitude in reasoning. The first is about potential; the second, about actual skill.

Which factors can affect one's "capacity for rational thought"?

Factors such as stress, sleep deprivation, emotional state, and cognitive biases can all significantly impact an individual's "capacity for rational thought".

Is "capacity for rational thought" an innate or learned trait?

While there may be some innate predispositions, the ""capacity for rational thought"" can be developed and improved through education, practice, and self-awareness.