Arationalism

Arationalism is a philosophical stance or viewpoint that acknowledges or emphasizes the existence of aspects of human thought, behavior, or belief that are not governed by or do not adhere to the principles of rationality or logical reasoning. It posits that factors such as emotions, intuition, faith, instinct, and subconscious processes play a significant, and sometimes dominant, role in shaping human understanding and actions, often to a greater extent than purely logical or rational considerations. It does not necessarily imply irrationality; instead, it suggests the presence of non-rational elements that are integral to human experience and decision-making, offering a different framework for comprehension.

Arationalism meaning with examples

• The artist defended his abstract work, claiming his creative process was fueled by arational impulses. Critics, trained in logical analysis, struggled to understand its 'lack of structure' and 'irrationality', missing the intuitive leaps central to its beauty. The piece sought to bypass logical reasoning and trigger feelings directly to create an emotive response.
• In certain mystical traditions, arational beliefs play a key role. Practitioners may prioritize meditative experiences, spiritual visions, and faith-based practices, over strictly rational explanations of the world. The journey of enlightenment is thought to progress by transcending the limitations of logical thought to find a connection to the divine.
• Marketing campaigns often rely on arational appeals, targeting consumer emotions, desires, and aspirations rather than presenting purely logical reasons to buy a product. Advertisers frequently use music, imagery, and storytelling to trigger subconscious associations and influence buying behavior bypassing strict logic.
• Some philosophers argue that many ethical decisions are rooted in arational considerations such as empathy, compassion, and moral intuition, which might not always conform to strict rules of logic. They believe that 'gut feelings' play a more significant role than the calculated pursuit of self-interest in determining how we treat others.