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Critical Rationality and Present Working Society

In: Communication and Management at Work

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  • Thomas Klikauer

Abstract

Rationality is one of the most distinguished concepts lifting society out of the dark days of feudalism and moving it towards Enlightenment.124 Rationality is with us today, defining many of the most basic rules of human conduct.125 This reaches deep into our present society and our working arrangements. At work as well as in society, we are supposed to act rationally. While a simple communicative statement like please act rational appears to be nothing special, the ideas behind it are somewhat more complex. First of all, to act rational and rationality are both parts of the Enlightenment project. Rationality has two forms. One is the idea that rationality ended pre-rational belief systems when foundations of our society moved on to a rational base. The rational base or rational justification is the second form. Unlike in feudal times, human action could no longer be justified by a reference to some higher authority, usually God. From now on, humans had to justify what they do. As rational science advanced around the 17th and 18th century, the world was increasingly understood by scientific rationality. This affected society in two fundamental ways. Advances in natural science, such as physics, biology, mathematics, chemistry, and medicine altered our understanding of the natural world.126 Advances in the social science of economics, politics, and philosophy altered our understanding of the social world.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Klikauer, 2007. "Critical Rationality and Present Working Society," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Communication and Management at Work, chapter 3, pages 43-56, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palchp:978-0-230-21089-9_3
    DOI: 10.1057/9780230210899_3
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