Are Smokers Rational? (December 2011)
June 28, 2013
With the date of the Bronze Anniversary coming around on Monday, I have chosen to close this celebratory baker's dozen with a little bit of philosophical aikido using the work of Derek Parfit. Even though Parfit himself argues that there is a “decisive reason” to not smoke, I use arguments from both On What Matters and Reasons and Persons to suggest that Parfit’s philosophy actually allows that smokers are indeed rational.
Are Smokers Rational? (December 2011)
Interesting. Also explains religiosity, I suppose.
By the way, clicking on the comment feed link results in an error - at least in my Chrome browser.
Posted by: Ttocb.blogspot.com | June 29, 2013 at 08:01 AM
Chairman: Although I didn't pull this particular trigger, I do remember that while I was writing this piece I was thinking about the way 'rational' is used in the context of religion (as I suspect Parfit was too writing "On What Matters"). But then, unlike you, I don't think religious people are any different in terms of rationality than anyone else - which is to say, I don't really believe anyone is sane. :D
Thanks for letting me know about the comment feed link error - I've disabled the feed link for now. Let me know if you want it repaired and I'll look into it further...
Posted by: Chris | July 01, 2013 at 10:01 AM