powers of reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "powers of reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the cognitive abilities or faculties that enable logical thinking and rational decision-making. Example: "Philosophers often debate the extent to which the powers of reason can lead to true knowledge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"Words perturb our powers of reason," he wrote once.

The Economist

The almost gothic plot strips away the powers of reason.

The New York Times

He's tilting at windmills with his powers of reason.

The Guardian - Books

Obama's failure illuminated the limits of even his great powers of reason.

The New York Times

A good doctor does not shun medical technology; rather, she uses it to supplement, not supplant, her powers of reason.

The New York Times

Still, shouldn't our wonderful powers of reason be able to overcome these instinctive impediments to clear thinking?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Friedrich Nietzsche knew that Greek tragedy was made out of the clash between the powers of reason-giving Apollo and enrapturing Dionysos.

The Guardian - Books

Yet, in granting every subject the right to use their powers of reasons as they see fit, law recognizes their autonomous agency.

SEP

Haidt believes in the power of reason, but the reasoning has to be interactive.

The New York Times - Books

For all his powerful scorn for the dogmas of the church and his belief in the power of reason to defeat ignorance, Mr. Abraham's Galileo comes across as a man of profound pragmatism and highly sensitive flesh, with a taste for comforts and a horror of pain.

The New York Times

Come to think of it, neither does the power of reason.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "powers of reason" when emphasizing the collective mental faculties that enable logical thinking and rational decision-making. It's particularly useful when discussing philosophy, psychology, or cognitive science.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone possesses equal "powers of reason" in all situations. Factors like emotional state, cultural background, and education can significantly influence one's reasoning abilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "powers of reason" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the cognitive abilities and faculties that enable logical thinking, rational decision-making, and problem-solving. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable and correct. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts discussing philosophy, politics, and science.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "powers of reason" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that refers to the cognitive abilities enabling logical thinking and rational decision-making. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedia contexts. While "rational faculties" and "intellectual capacity" serve as suitable alternatives, "powers of reason" remains a preferred choice when emphasizing the collective mental capabilities. When using the phrase, be mindful of the context and avoid assuming universal equality in reasoning abilities, as various factors can influence them. Overall, the phrase maintains a neutral to formal register and is valuable for discussions around philosophy, politics, and science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rational faculties

Replaces "powers" with "faculties", emphasizing the inherent mental capacities for reason.

reasoning capabilities

Emphasizes the specific ability to form judgments and inferences logically.

intellectual capacity

Focuses on the overall ability to think and understand, broader than just reasoning.

cognitive abilities

Highlights the mental processes involved in knowing, understanding, and reasoning.

capacity for rational thought

Rephrases the concept emphasizing the potential for rational thinking.

ability to reason

Simplifies the phrase to focus on the fundamental skill of reasoning.

rational intelligence

Combines rationality with intelligence, emphasizing the capacity for logical and reasoned thought.

mental acuity

Focuses on the sharpness and quickness of thought and understanding.

logical thinking skills

Highlights the practical application of reason in problem-solving and decision-making.

intellectual prowess

Suggests exceptional skill and expertise in reasoning and thinking.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "powers of reason" in a sentence?

Use "powers of reason" when discussing the capacity for logical thought and rational decision-making. For example, "Philosophers often explore the limits of our "powers of reason" in understanding the universe."

What are some alternatives to "powers of reason"?

You can use alternatives like "rational faculties", "intellectual capacity", or "cognitive abilities" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "power of reason" instead of "powers of reason"?

While "power of reason" can be used, "powers of reason" is generally preferred when referring to the collective set of mental capabilities involved in reasoning. "Power of reason" might be more appropriate when discussing reason as a singular, abstract force.

In what contexts is "powers of reason" most appropriately used?

"Powers of reason" is commonly used in academic, philosophical, and scientific discussions to describe the cognitive abilities that enable logical thought, analysis, and decision-making. It can also appear in news or media contexts when discussing societal or political issues that involve reasoning and rationality.