Reasons

Abstract It is always irrational to act so as to achieve the object of an irrational desire: death (permanent loss of consciousness), pain, loss of ability, loss of freedom or loss of pleasure, without a reason. If one acts so as to achieve the object of an irrational desire, one needs a reason for acting in that way in order for one’s actions to count as rational. However, people usually have reasons for acting in these ways, and if the reason is adequate the action is no longer irrational. Reasons for acting are conscious rational beliefs that can make some otherwise irrational actions, rationa/.1 The belief that having one’s right arm cut off will save one’s life is a reason for having one’s arm cut off. In the discussion of irrational desires, several of these kinds of beliefs were mentioned. Beliefs that one’s action will decrease one’s own or anyone else’s chances of dying, of suffering pain, or of losing some ability, freedom, or pleasure count as reasons. These beliefs are reasons because they can sometimes make acting to achieve the object of an irrational desire rational. Other reasons are beliefs that one’s action will maintain or increase one’s own or anyone else’s consciousness, abilities, freedom, or pleasure. These beliefs can also make some otherwise irrational actions rational.