"In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. But, in practice, there is." -- Jan L. A. van de Snepscheut

In philosophy, practical reason is the application of reason to real-world decision-making (ie. deciding on a course of action). Contrast this with theoretical reason (often called speculative reason) which is concerned with absolute and universal truths. For example: deciding exactly how to build a telescope is practical reason, whereas deciding between two theories of light and optics is speculative reason. These five broad types of question are called analytical or logical, epistemological, ethical, metaphysical, and aesthetic respectively. ... Reason is a term used in philosophy to refer to the higher cognitive faculties of the human mind. ... Speculative reason is theoretical (or logical, deductive) thought (sometimes called theoretical reason), as opposed to practical (active, willing) thought. ... Speculative reason is theoretical (or logical, deductive) thought (sometimes called theoretical reason), as opposed to practical (active, willing) thought. ...

In cognitive research, practical reason is the process of ignoring unproductive possibilities in favor of productive possibilities. It is considered a form of cognitive bias, because it is illogical. An example would be calling all hospitals to look for your missing child, but not checking morgues, as finding his corpse would be 'counter-productive.' Cognitive The scientific study of how people obtain, retrieve, store and manipulate information. ... Cognitive bias is any of a wide range of observer effects identified in cognitive science and social psychology including very basic statistical, social attribution, and memory errors that are common to all human beings. ...

External links

• Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy:
  • Practical Reason
  • Medieval Theories of Practical Reason