The illusion of universal logic


Events get interpreted and processed differently by different brains with different internal models, even if on the surface, we might think that what makes things logical is consistent and unchanging across races and cultures.
What we consider "logical" is deeply influenced by cultural guidelines, norms and their underlying assumptions that vary dramatically across different societies.
A decision that seems rational in an individualistic culture, such as leaving the family nest, at an early age, to venture on one's own, might appear to be a folly in a collectivist society that prioritizes a communal harmony based on tight bonds and close-knit relationships.
Data gets processed through different value systems, leading to different conclusions that are considered a sensible course of action by different groups.
The illusion of universal logic is more flagrant when we examine how different communities approach problem-solving.
A military strategist might view a situation while taking into account tactical advantage and collateral damage, while a humanitarian sees the same situation in terms of human suffering and loss.
Neither perspective is inherently wrong. hey exist within different foundational premises that have wildly different priorities.
A religious person might make decisions based solely on the principle of his creed, decisions which may seem completely irrational to a secular person.
Within different internal models of reality, contradicting choices follow perfectly logical chains of reasoning.
The mathematician proof, the artist's view of life and the entrepreneur's rash decisions all represent different forms of logic operating in different cognitive equations.
Each decision is logical to the person taking it, yet it could be potentially incomprehensible to those operating from fundamentally different assumptions about reality and values.

Comments

Popular Posts