faculty of reason

USAGE SUMMARY

"faculty of reason" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to a person's mental ability or capacity for rational thought and judgement. For example, "He has a highly evolved faculty of reason, which helps him to quickly identify and solve problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Locke believes that the key to intelligibility and understanding lies in a proper appreciation of what our faculty of Reason can accomplish when set to work on the ideas received in our experience.

SEP

He credited the "indestructibility of his faculty of Reason" for finding the escape route.

The New York Times - Books

Geometry trained the faculty of reason, and history trained the memory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He argues that the faculty of reason is different from perception and, in effect, prior to it — "an irreducible faculty".

The New Yorker

According to rationalists, the ultimate source of human knowledge is the faculty of reason; according to empiricists, it is experience.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Is it the faculty of reason or perhaps the faculty of discourse?" Obviously not, since "a full-grown horse or dog is beyond comparison a more rational, as well as a more conversable animal, than an infant".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Persuasion operates as much through the ear as through the faculties of reason.

The New York Times

To what extent do our faculties of reason and experience support our attempts to know and understand our situation?

SEP

And what is more, said Sade, those faculties of reason that Enlightenment thinkers held in such high esteem are only a byproduct of these deep-seated desires: humans are governed by these desires far more than by any rational impetus.

BBC

Wolff divides the human mind into two basic faculties: the faculty of sense and imagination, on the one hand, and the faculty of understanding and reason, on the other.

SEP

In philosophy, it is commonly assumed, explicitly or implicitly, that there is one mechanism (or faculty) of practical reason that underlies practical reasoning and reason-based agency.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "faculty of reason" when referring to the inherent or developed capacity for logical and rational thought. It is appropriate in academic, philosophical, and formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "faculty of reason" when the context requires discussing emotional understanding or empathy. The phrase specifically refers to rational and logical thinking, not emotional awareness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "faculty of reason" is as a noun phrase. It functions as a subject or object within a sentence, referring to the mental capacity for rational thought and judgment. As Ludwig confirms, the expression is grammatically correct and commonly found in formal writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

30%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "faculty of reason" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that describes the human capacity for logical and rational thought. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in written English. While not as common as some other phrases, it finds frequent use in academic, philosophical, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context involves rational thinking, and consider alternatives like "reasoning ability" or "rational thought" depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasoning ability

Highlights the ability to draw conclusions and make judgments.

power of reasoning

Emphasizes the active ability to think logically.

capacity for rational thought

Highlights the inherent ability to think rationally.

rational intellect

Emphasizes the intellectual aspect of reason.

intellectual capacity

Focuses on general intellectual abilities, including reason.

cognitive faculty

A broader term encompassing various mental abilities.

rational mind

Emphasizes the mind's ability to think rationally.

mental acuity

Refers to sharpness and quickness of thought.

powers of cognition

Broader term referring to various cognitive processes.

intellectual prowess

Focuses on exceptional intellectual skill and ability.

FAQs

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

You can use "faculty of reason" to describe someone's ability to think logically and rationally. For example, "The philosopher argued that the "faculty of reason" is essential for moral decision-making".

What is a simpler way to say "faculty of reason"?

Simpler alternatives include "reasoning ability", "rational thought", or "intellectual capacity", depending on the specific context.

Is "faculty of reason" the same as "intelligence"?

While related, "faculty of reason" specifically refers to the capacity for logical and rational thinking, whereas "intelligence" encompasses a broader range of cognitive abilities, including problem-solving, learning, and understanding.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the term "faculty of reason"?

"Faculty of reason" is suitable for formal discussions of philosophy, psychology, or cognitive science. It is also fitting for any situation where you wish to emphasize someone's capacity for logical and rational thought over emotion or intuition.