Rationalities

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. the diverse modes of reasoning that influence choices and actions
2. the different frameworks of logic that shape human understanding and decision-making processes
3. Various systems or patterns of reasoning that guide how decisions are made and ideas are formed

Etymology: "Rationalities" is the plural of "rationality," so its history is that of the singular noun. "Rationality" was formed from "rational" plus the suffix "-ity," which turns an adjective into a noun of quality or state. The adjective "rational" comes from Latin "rationalis," meaning "reasonable," itself built on "ratio," reason or calculation. The noun reached English by way of French "rationalité," which in turn came from Late Latin "rationalitas," meaning "rationality" or "reasonableness." English thus took the word from the French form of a medieval Latin noun, adapting the Latin root that already stood behind "reason" and "ratio." The plural form, "rationalities," is used when speaking of distinct systems of reasoning, each with its own assumptions, such as the different rationalities of science, law, or religion.