We value logic. We value reason. We tend to think logic is universal and convincing to all. If someone is not convinced by our logic, he should be stupid.
But is that really correct?
In mathematics, logic is used in a formulated manner. A-B-C should be connected, and all should accept 1+1=2, then 1+2=3.
In real life, you choose your "logic", however. It happens so often that your logic is correct, but their logic is also correct. Confused?
Let's say you choose a car. There are factors that affect your choice. Price, safety rating, color, brand, model, design, horse power, functions, trunk space, seat number, nationality, fuel economy, availability, ....you name it.
A guy choose a red fast car because it's a chick magnet. Another guy choose a plain car because of the price and dependability. Both are valid and logical choices. We choose priority, use logic, and look for most agreeable car.
There are deal breakers. But they vary according to the person, just like priority varies. The person defines his priority and deal breaker.
This is an example of "choice dictates logic". We choose our priority or deal breaker, then use "logic" to justify it. This process can be horribly biased.
Realistically, choice is not made by a single factor. We put weights on our priorities to make final choice. Let's say I have a newborn. I am looking for safety. It is a very logical choice of a factor. But, I also want a car with a large trunk space. If I pick a 4-star safety rating car instead of a 5-star, because 5-star cars do not meet my other priority (trunk space, for this example), so what? Do I get blamed or called stupid because I am recklessly endangering the baby? Of course not. It's a package deal, and what you prioritize may be different from what I prioritize.
Religious reasoning is quite similar to the example above. They believe first, then justify it with a "logic". It is hard to break out the "logic" once you make a choice and commitment. Once you have your logic and reasoning, they can become so natural and comfortable to you, and you can lose sight of any other ways. You may not even realize that they have their logic and reasoning. That's when things get messy.
When you are dealing with nature, or something that you can test, things are more clear-cut.
I am experimental scientist. I work on subjects that we can perform experiments for. Not all scientific research fields (or life issues) allow you to do this. Through research, we do make choice and make hypothesis, which is an equivalent of temporarily believing something. We 'rationalize", meaning that we present existing evidence that are supposedly enough to convince (most) people that the hypothesis may be correct. But as an experimental scientist, we test the working hypothesis with experiment. And surprise! Our hypothesis can be wrong! We repeat experiments and we still don't get the data that support or match our hypothesis. Ugh.
"I did all the research and rationalization (=reasoning). The hypothesis (=my working belief) looked correct. How could it turn out wrong? " But we got to accept the data, accept the fact that our hypothesis is wrong, and start modifying the hypothesis to better explain the data. This can be very humbling.
In that sense, experimental science systematically humbles you. It will make you a "better person" with humility (haha). This should be a required course in all schools, even including religious schools, don't you think?
