Logical vs Rational
Rational and logical are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and are not synonyms. Understanding the differences between these two words is important for accurate communication.
Key Takeaways
- Rationality involves using reason and intellect, while logic follows a sequence of events leading to the best solution.
- Math is logical, but science can be both logical and rational.
- A person can be irrational with illogical beliefs, while a rational person is considered reasonable and less susceptible to emotions.
Rational people make use of reason and intellect, rather than being guided by emotions or feelings. Judges, for example, must be rational in their verdicts, as they cannot rely on emotions while trying to deliver justice. Rationality is a virtue that allows a person to think and behave in an orderly fashion, based on past experiences, perceptions, and knowledge. Rational people are often perceived as reasonable and intelligent, as they can understand both emotional and logical aspects of an argument.
Logical actions or ideas follow the principles of logic and are coherent and sensible. Anything logical follows a sequence of events that leads to the best solution to a problem in the most efficient manner. A logical person is seen as having scientific views, and their actions are based on facts. Math and science are subjects that rely on logical reasoning, but some areas of science also require rational thinking to connect loose ends of a theory.
Some key differences between logical and rational include:
- Math is logical, as the correct answer can only be reached through logical steps.
- Science is primarily logical, but some areas are rational as well.
- Human experience is limited by our five senses, but something unexperienced is not necessarily irrational.
- Logical reasoning is necessary to piece together evidence in a crime investigation.
- A person’s beliefs can be illogical, but the person themselves may be irrational.
- Logical reasoning is scientific reasoning based on facts.
In conclusion, while the words logical and rational are similar, they are not interchangeable. Understanding the differences between these two terms can help improve communication and deepen understanding of various concepts and situations.
