Critique of Modern Reason and Rational Problem Solving
A Critique of Modern Reason And Rational Problem Solving
William Brueggemann
April, 2009
Kyushu University of Health and Welfare, Department of Social Planning and Welfare Administration, 1714-1 Yoshino Cho, Nobeoka Shi, Miyazaki ken, 882-8508, Japan
Abstract
Modern politics and the economy are based on a way of thinking called modern reason, first articulated by Thomas Hobbes in 1651. The field of social work has adopted this way of thinking and rational problem solving as its primary method. However, modern reason and rational problem solving are defective ways of helping people resolve personal and social problems. This paper critiques modern reason and rational problem solving.
Key words: modern reason, rationality, rational problem solving, and decision-making.
When a man reasoneth, he does nothing else but conceive a sum total...for REASON in this sense is nothing but reckoning, that is adding and subtracting of the consequences of general names agreed upon for the marking and signifying of our thoughts.
Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan[i]
Introduction Modern reason and the method by which it is used, called rational problem solving, have become the way we think about things in our modern world and is the form of reasoning used in solving the most complex problems of our day. Modern rational problem solving has been officially designated as the method by which members of the social work profession are expected to engage in assisting clients and reach decisions.[ii] While rational problem solving method is a powerful tool it has a number of limitations for social work practice. These limitations militate against the unqualified acceptance of rational problem solving as a model for the social work profession.[iii]
1. What is Modern Reason? Modern reason, first articulated by Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) in his book Leviathan published in 1651, is a
William Brueggemann
April, 2009
Kyushu University of Health and Welfare, Department of Social Planning and Welfare Administration, 1714-1 Yoshino Cho, Nobeoka Shi, Miyazaki ken, 882-8508, Japan
Abstract
Modern politics and the economy are based on a way of thinking called modern reason, first articulated by Thomas Hobbes in 1651. The field of social work has adopted this way of thinking and rational problem solving as its primary method. However, modern reason and rational problem solving are defective ways of helping people resolve personal and social problems. This paper critiques modern reason and rational problem solving.
Key words: modern reason, rationality, rational problem solving, and decision-making.
When a man reasoneth, he does nothing else but conceive a sum total...for REASON in this sense is nothing but reckoning, that is adding and subtracting of the consequences of general names agreed upon for the marking and signifying of our thoughts.
Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan[i]
Introduction Modern reason and the method by which it is used, called rational problem solving, have become the way we think about things in our modern world and is the form of reasoning used in solving the most complex problems of our day. Modern rational problem solving has been officially designated as the method by which members of the social work profession are expected to engage in assisting clients and reach decisions.[ii] While rational problem solving method is a powerful tool it has a number of limitations for social work practice. These limitations militate against the unqualified acceptance of rational problem solving as a model for the social work profession.[iii]
1. What is Modern Reason? Modern reason, first articulated by Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) in his book Leviathan published in 1651, is a