Language Insights: Understanding the Distinctions Between ‘Rational’ and ‘Logical

In this article, we will discuss the terms logical and rational. Do you realize that the human mind automatically employs the process of logic whenever a person begins to consider something?

Logical is a method of reasoning that uses logic. Through logical thinking, we realize if something is valid or not. Formal logic can be either true or false. Although it is not technically necessary to always have formal logic to think formally, this is how people understand it nowadays.

We use informal logic every day in our lives. You can see examples of informal logic in debates, advertising, television, newspapers, and other forms of social media. When a person is rational, it is easy for him to understand something. If a person is rational, he will do everything related to logic.

When a person can think clearly and base decisions and judgments on reasons instead of emotions, you might say that person is rational. Being logical means following valid logic. Being rational means being intelligent but not sure whether the conclusion is confirmed or not.

A rational person is a person who uses reason rather than emotions or sentiments to make decisions. A logical person is a person who uses facts and follows the way to find the best solution to a problem.

A person who is a logical thinker always uses facts and scientific reasoning. A person who is a rational thinker does not care about the facts. But, he/she is intelligent.

Let’s dive into the topic now!

Logical – The Meaning Of This Word That You Should Know

It is thinking that involves logic. It is usually a valid statement. Logical thinking is a proper way of thinking that is free from emotions. It considers facts and clear reasoning.

Logical refers to something that does not exist physically. But, it impacts us mentally. We use logical thinking in our daily lives. Do you know that logical thinking is a procedure that comes naturally to the human mind? Whenever someone starts to think something. Through logical thinking, we realize if something is valid or not.

Types of Logic

There are several types of logic. Here are a few of them for you to be aware of them.

1. Formal logic
2. Informal logic
3. Symbolic logic
4. Mathematical logic

Formal logic

Formal logic is to examine logical arguments, assertions, or declarations. Formal logic examines the structure or form of statements, affirmations, the logical consequences.

Although it is not technically necessary to always have formal logic to think formally, this is how people understand it nowadays. Formal logic can be either true or false.

Informal logic

We use informal logic every day in our lives. It consists of arguments that we face in our lives daily. It implies efforts to comprehend such thinking from the perspectives of logical reasoning, cognitive psychology, philosophy, and other fields. You can see examples of informal logic in debates, advertising, television, newspapers, and other forms of social media.

Symbolic logic

It is a way of expressing logical expressions by substituting symbols and variables for words. The simplest type of logic is unquestionably symbolic; it can save much time when arguing. It also aids in avoiding logical ambiguity.

Mathematical logic

The examination of formal logic in mathematics is known as mathematical logic. In mathematics, we employ specific logic. Negation, disjunction, and conjunction are fundamental in mathematical logic.

Rational – The meaning of this word that you should know

When a person is rational, it is easy for him to understand something.

Do you know that being rational refers to the ability to have reasons? When a person can think clearly and base decisions and judgments on reasons instead of emotions, you might say that person is rational.

It comes from the Latin word Rationalis. If a person is rational, he will do everything related to logic. We define rational as something that makes sense and could be found in reality or as someone who acts and thinks logically.

Types of Rationality

1. Practical Rationality
2. Theoretical Rationality
3. Substantive Rationality
4. Formal Rationality

Practical Rationality

A person is practically rational when he judges and views every aspect of his life about worldly activities. It is related to a person whose approach is purely pragmatic and result-oriented.

He chooses the fastest way to handle challenges. Practical rationality refers to calculation and solving daily routine problems.

Theoretical Rationality

Instead of acting, theoretical rationality entails consciously controlling reality during the formation of abstract conceptions. Several thinkers practice theoretical rationality in their daily lives. Usually, judges and political leaders use theoretical rationalization. Thus, a theoretical encounter with reality might reflect on the thinker’s behavior and bring new regularities of action.

Substantive Rationality

Substantive rationality is like practical rationality. It is unlike theoretical rationality. Directly ordering action into patterns is substantive rationality. Substantive rationality may be constrained, structuring only a narrow segment of existence while leaving the rest unaffected.

Formal Rationality

Formal rationality typically refers to domains of existence and a system of dominance that only develops distinct and defined bounds with industrialization. Bureaucracy is an example of formal rationality simply because it only seeks to determine the most exact and effective ways to solve issues by putting them under regulation.

The Dissimilarities Between Rational And Logical In Terms Of Their Meaning

Logical and rational are two different words with entirely different meanings. Yet, some people use them interchangeably. Some noticeable differences between logical and rational are as follows.

What Is The Primary Difference Between Rational And Logical?

When a person is logical, he will derive exact meanings and conclusions. But when a person is rational, he will observe the possibilities regarding the matter.

Being logical means following valid logic. Being Rational means being intelligent but not sure whether the conclusion is right or wrong.

What Is The Effect Of Emotions And Feelings On Logic And Rational?

A rational person is a person who uses reason rather than emotions or sentiments to make decisions. A logical person is a person who uses facts and follows the way to find the best solution to a problem.

Logic is the foundation of many subjects, including maths and physics. Emotions and feelings do not affect a logical thinker.

Logical Vs. Rational – Which One Is Used At Crime Scenes?

Putting together the puzzle pieces of evidence to show a suspect’s guilt in a crime, requires logical reasoning. A logical thinker gathers all the proofs and collects all the facts to come to a valid conclusion in the end. A logical thinker gathers all the pieces of evidence and assembles all the facts to conduct the best ending at crime scenes.

Logical Vs. Rational – Which One Of Them Includes Scientific Reasoning?

A person who is a logical thinker always uses facts and scientific reasoning. Logics are always related to reality. Ever seen a rational person worrying about reality? No right? A person who is a rational thinker does not care about the facts. But, they are intelligent and make decisions based on their cognitive skills.

What Is The Subject Of Mathematics Considered? Logical or Rational?

Mathematics is always logical because there is no way to get a conclusion or an accurate answer without following logical steps.

Assurance Or Estimation?

Do you know that logical thinking comes with 100% certainty? We consider it correct, and it comes with proof. Rational thinking refers to estimating something. Any estimation even if 95% correct, would always be rational and not logical.

Below is a table that summarizes the difference between rational and logical:

Conclusion

• This article is all about the differences between being logical and rational.
• Logical and rational are two different words with entirely different meanings. Yet, some people use them interchangeably.
• Being logical means following valid logic.
• Being Rational means being intelligent but not sure whether the conclusion is scientifically confirmed or not.
• Formal logic is to examine logical arguments, assertions, or declarations.
• Formal logic can be either true or false.
• We use informal logic every day in our lives. It consists of arguments that we face in our lives daily.
• The simplest type of logic is unquestionably symbolic; it can save much time when arguing.
• In mathematics, we employ specific logic.
• When a person can think clearly and base decisions and judgments on reasons instead of emotions, you might say that person is rational.
• A person with a practical rationale has a pragmatic approach to life.
• Usually, judges and political leaders use theoretical rationality.
• Substantial rationality may be constrained, structuring only a narrow segment of existence while leaving the rest unaffected.
• When a person is logical, he will derive exact meanings and conclusions.
• when a person is rational, he will observe the possibilities regarding the matter.
• Emotions and feelings do not affect a logical thinker.
• A logical thinker gathers all the evidence and assembles all the facts to conduct the best ending at crime scenes.
• A person who is a rational thinker does not care about scientific facts.
• Mathematics is always logical because there is no way to get a conclusion or an accurate answer without following logical steps.
• Any estimate, even if 95% correct. It would still be rational and illogical.

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