Logical vs. Reason — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 28, 2024
Logical refers to the clear, structured thinking aligned with rules of logic, whereas reason involves the mental process of finding grounds or explanations.
Difference Between Logical and Reason
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Logical thinking is the process of using structured and principled reasoning to come to a conclusion. It involves following a sequence of steps based on established rules, ensuring that each step logically follows from the one before. On the other hand, reasoning, or the act of reason, encompasses a broader spectrum of thought processes, including logical thinking but also involving intuition, emotion, and personal experiences to make decisions or solve problems.
Logical analysis often requires adherence to strict principles, such as those found in formal logic, which might include deductive and inductive reasoning. These principles help in forming arguments that are coherent and universally valid within their premises. Reason, however, may draw from a wider array of sources, including subjective and objective considerations. It might not always conform to the strictures of formal logic but is aimed at understanding or justifying actions, beliefs, or phenomena based on a comprehensive assessment of various factors.
In the realm of philosophy and mathematics, being logical is closely associated with the ability to produce conclusions that are unavoidably true, given the premises. For instance, in mathematics, a logical argument uses axioms and theorems to prove new theorems. Whereas reason can be seen in broader disciplines, including ethical and emotional contexts, where decisions are made or opinions are formed based on a mixture of logic, values, and personal convictions.
Logical thinking is often devoid of emotional influence, striving for objectivity and clarity. This characteristic makes it particularly valuable in areas like scientific research, mathematics, and computer programming, where precision and adherence to logical structures are paramount. In contrast, reasoning can incorporate emotional intelligence and empathy, making it essential in fields that require understanding human behavior, such as psychology, sociology, and politics.
Logical processes are typically linear, moving from premise to conclusion in a clear, straightforward manner. This linearity ensures that logical conclusions are consistent and replicable. On the other hand, reasoning might involve circular or nonlinear paths, considering multiple perspectives or revisiting premises based on new information or insights, thus allowing for more flexible and nuanced conclusions.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Pertaining to the formal principles of reasoning
The mental capacity for processing thoughts and arguments
Focus
Structure and validity of arguments
Justification and explanation
Emotional Influence
Minimal to none, prioritizes objectivity
Can include emotional and subjective considerations
Application
Strong in fields requiring strict reasoning (math, programming)
Broad, including subjective decision-making (ethics, politics)
Process
Often linear and clear
Can be nonlinear and involve revisiting ideas
Compare with Definitions
Logical
Pertaining to the principles of logic, emphasizing coherence and adherence to strict rules.
A logical argument for the theory was supported by undeniable facts.
Reason
The mental capacity to form conclusions, judgments, or inferences from facts or premises.
Her reason for declining the offer was not immediately apparent.
Logical
Characteristically systematic and analytical, devoid of emotional influence.
Her logical approach to problem-solving made her an excellent software engineer.
Reason
Frequently appears in contexts involving the justification or explanation of actions and beliefs.
There is a good reason why this method is preferred.
Logical
Often used to describe arguments, thinking patterns, or processes that follow clear, rational guidelines.
The essay was logical, with each point neatly leading to the next.
Reason
Encompasses a wide range of thought processes, including but not limited to logic, intuition, and emotional insight.
He used reason rather than emotion to navigate the complex situation.
Logical
Critical in fields that prioritize precision and validity, such as mathematics and science.
Logical reasoning is essential for developing new mathematical theorems.
Reason
Fundamental to the human experience, allowing for complex social interactions and personal decision-making.
Reason plays a crucial role in ethical deliberations.
Logical
May overlook the nuanced or subjective aspects of human thought and decision-making.
His logical conclusion was sound, but it failed to consider the emotional impact on the stakeholders.
Reason
Can be influenced by personal biases, emotions, or incomplete information.
Despite her reason being flawed, she was convinced of her decision.
Logical
Of, relating to, in accordance with, or of the nature of logic
Logical disputation.
Reason
Reason is the capacity of consciously applying logic to seek truth and draw conclusions from new or existing information. It is closely associated with such characteristically human activities as philosophy, science, language, mathematics, and art, and is normally considered to be a distinguishing ability possessed by humans.
Logical
Based on earlier or otherwise known statements, events, or conditions; reasonable
Rain was a logical expectation, given the time of year.
Reason
The basis or motive for an action, decision, or conviction
There are good reasons to learn a foreign language. See Usage Notes at because, why.
Logical
Reasoning or capable of reasoning in a clear and consistent manner
A very logical person.
Reason
A declaration made to explain or justify action, decision, or conviction
What reasons did she give for leaving?.
Logical
(not comparable) In agreement with the principles of logic.
Reason
A fact or cause that explains why something exists or has occurred
The reason for the building's collapse is unknown.
Logical
Reasonable.
Reason
(Logic) A premise, usually the minor premise, of an argument.
Logical
(not comparable) Of or pertaining to logic.
It's not logical, it's God!
Reason
The capacity for logical, rational, and analytic thought; intelligence
"Most of us would like to believe that when we say something is right or wrong, we are using our powers of reason alone" (Carl Zimmer).
Logical
(computing) Relating to the conceptual model of a system rather than its physical expression
Logical memory appears contiguous to an application program, but may well be stored on several physical devices, including in RAM and on hard-disks, as determined by the operating system.
Reason
The limit of what is reasonable
"It is a curious thing that, when a man hates or loves beyond reason, he is ready to go beyond reason to gratify his feelings" (Rudyard Kipling).
Logical
Of or pertaining to logic; used in logic; as, logical subtilties.
Reason
A normal mental state; sanity
He has lost his reason.
Logical
According to the rules of logic; as, a logical argument or inference; the reasoning is logical; a logical argument; a logical impossibility.
Reason
To determine or conclude by logical thinking
The doctor reasoned that the patient had a virus.
Logical
Skilled in logic; versed in the art of thinking and reasoning; as, he is a logical thinker.
Reason
To persuade or dissuade (someone) with reasons
"You boast ... of having reasoned him out of his absurd romance" (William Makepeace Thackeray).
Logical
Capable of or reflecting the capability for correct and valid reasoning;
A logical mind
Reason
To use the faculty of reason; think logically
What would lead you to reason so?.
Logical
In accordance with reason or logic;
A logical conclusion
Reason
To talk or argue logically and persuasively
Tried to reason with her son to eat a good breakfast.
Logical
Marked by an orderly, logical, and aesthetically consistent relation of parts;
A logical argument
The orderly presentation
Reason
(Obsolete) To engage in conversation or discussion.
Logical
Based on known statements or events or conditions;
Rain was a logical expectation, given the time of year
Reason
A cause:
Logical
Capable of thinking and expressing yourself in a clear and consistent manner;
A lucid thinker
She was more coherent than she had been just after the accident
Reason
That which causes something: an efficient cause, a proximate cause.
The reason this tree fell is that it had rotted.
Reason
A motive for an action or a determination.
The reason I robbed the bank was that I needed the money.
If you don't give me a reason to go with you, I won't.
Reason
An excuse: a thought or a consideration offered in support of a determination or an opinion; that which is offered or accepted as an explanation.
Reason
(logic) A premise placed after its conclusion.
Reason
(uncountable) Rational thinking (or the capacity for it); the cognitive faculties, collectively, of conception, judgment, deduction and intuition.
Mankind should develop reason above all other virtues.
Reason
(obsolete) Something reasonable, in accordance with thought; justice.
Reason
Ratio; proportion.
Reason
(intransitive) To deduce or come to a conclusion by being rational
Reason
(intransitive) To perform a process of deduction or of induction, in order to convince or to confute; to argue.
Reason
To converse; to compare opinions.
Reason
(ambitransitive) To arrange and present the reasons for or against; to examine or discuss by arguments; to debate or discuss.
I reasoned the matter with my friend.
Reason
To support with reasons, as a request.
Reason
(transitive) To persuade by reasoning or argument.
To reason one into a belief; to reason one out of his plan
Reason
To overcome or conquer by adducing reasons.
To reason down a passion
Reason
To find by logical process; to explain or justify by reason or argument.
To reason out the causes of the librations of the moon
Reason
A thought or a consideration offered in support of a determination or an opinion; a just ground for a conclusion or an action; that which is offered or accepted as an explanation; the efficient cause of an occurrence or a phenomenon; a motive for an action or a determination; proof, more or less decisive, for an opinion or a conclusion; principle; efficient cause; final cause; ground of argument.
I'll give him reasons for it.
The reason of the motion of the balance in a wheel watch is by the motion of the next wheel.
This reason did the ancient fathers render, why the church was called "catholic."
Virtue and vice are not arbitrary things; but there is a natural and eternal reason for that goodness and virtue, and against vice and wickedness.
Reason
The faculty or capacity of the human mind by which it is distinguished from the intelligence of the inferior animals; the higher as distinguished from the lower cognitive faculties, sense, imagination, and memory, and in contrast to the feelings and desires. Reason comprises conception, judgment, reasoning, and the intuitional faculty. Specifically, it is the intuitional faculty, or the faculty of first truths, as distinguished from the understanding, which is called the discursive or ratiocinative faculty.
We have no other faculties of perceiving or knowing anything divine or human, but by our five senses and our reason.
In common and popular discourse, reason denotes that power by which we distinguish truth from falsehood, and right from wrong, and by which we are enabled to combine means for the attainment of particular ends.
Reason is used sometimes to express the whole of those powers which elevate man above the brutes, and constitute his rational nature, more especially, perhaps, his intellectual powers; sometimes to express the power of deduction or argumentation.
By the pure reason I mean the power by which we become possessed of principles.
The sense perceives; the understanding, in its own peculiar operation, conceives; the reason, or rationalized understanding, comprehends.
Reason
Due exercise of the reasoning faculty; accordance with, or that which is accordant with and ratified by, the mind rightly exercised; right intellectual judgment; clear and fair deductions from true principles; that which is dictated or supported by the common sense of mankind; right conduct; right; propriety; justice.
I was promised, on a time,To have reason for my rhyme.
But law in a free nation hath been ever public reason; the enacted reason of a parliament, which he denying to enact, denies to govern us by that which ought to be our law; interposing his own private reason, which to us is no law.
The most probable way of bringing France to reason would be by the making an attempt on the Spanish West Indies.
Reason
Ratio; proportion.
When anything is proved by as good arguments as a thing of that kind is capable of, we ought not, in reason, to doubt of its existence.
Yet it were great reason, that those that have children should have greatest care of future times.
Reason
To exercise the rational faculty; to deduce inferences from premises; to perform the process of deduction or of induction; to ratiocinate; to reach conclusions by a systematic comparison of facts.
Reason
Hence: To carry on a process of deduction or of induction, in order to convince or to confute; to formulate and set forth propositions and the inferences from them; to argue.
Stand still, that I may reason with you, before the Lord, of all the righteous acts of the Lord.
Reason
To converse; to compare opinions.
Reason
To arrange and present the reasons for or against; to examine or discuss by arguments; to debate or discuss; as, I reasoned the matter with my friend.
When they are clearly discovered, well digested, and well reasoned in every part, there is beauty in such a theory.
Reason
To support with reasons, as a request.
Reason
To persuade by reasoning or argument; as, to reason one into a belief; to reason one out of his plan.
Men that will not be reasoned into their senses.
Reason
To overcome or conquer by adducing reasons; - with down; as, to reason down a passion.
Reason
To find by logical processes; to explain or justify by reason or argument; - usually with out; as, to reason out the causes of the librations of the moon.
Reason
A rational motive for a belief or action;
The reason that war was declared
The grounds for their declaration
Reason
An explanation of the cause of some phenomenon;
The reason a steady state was never reached was that the back pressure built up too slowly
Reason
The capacity for rational thought or inference or discrimination;
We are told that man is endowed with reason and capable of distinguishing good from evil
Reason
The state of having good sense and sound judgment;
His rationality may have been impaired
He had to rely less on reason than on rousing their emotions
Reason
A justification for something existing or happening;
He had no cause to complain
They had good reason to rejoice
Reason
A fact that logically justifies some premise or conclusion;
There is reason to believe he is lying
Reason
Decide by reasoning; draw or come to a conclusion;
We reasoned that it was cheaper to rent than to buy a house
Reason
Present reasons and arguments
Reason
Think logically;
The children must learn to reason
Common Curiosities
Can a decision be logical but unreasonable?
Yes, if it strictly follows logical principles but ignores practical, ethical, or emotional considerations, it might be seen as unreasonable.
How does reason differ from logic?
Reason includes logic but also encompasses broader mental processes such as intuition and emotional understanding.
Can reasoning be improved?
Yes, through practice, education, and exposure to diverse perspectives, reasoning skills can be honed and expanded.
Can someone be good at logical thinking but poor at reasoning in everyday situations?
Yes, because logical thinking is specific to structured arguments, whereas everyday reasoning often involves navigating complex, emotional, or ambiguous scenarios.
Why is reason important in decision-making?
Reason allows individuals to weigh various factors, including logical, emotional, and ethical considerations, to make informed decisions.
How does culture affect logical and reasoning processes?
Cultural norms and values can influence what is considered logical or reasonable, affecting how arguments are formed and decisions are made.
Is logical thinking always superior to other forms of reasoning?
Not necessarily; the superiority depends on the context. Some situations require empathy and intuition, where strict logic might not suffice.
Is reasoning always conscious?
Not always; some reasoning processes, especially those involving intuition or instant judgments, can occur subconsciously.
Can emotional intelligence complement logical reasoning?
Yes, emotional intelligence can provide insights into the emotional and interpersonal aspects of a situation that pure logic might miss.
What is logical thinking?
Logical thinking is the process of reasoning in a structured and principle-guided manner to reach a conclusion.
How are logical fallacies related to reason?
Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that undermine the logical validity of an argument but may still influence human reasoning.
How does the digital age affect our reasoning abilities?
It offers vast information, which can enhance reasoning when used wisely but may also overwhelm or bias our decision-making processes.
How do logical and reasoning skills benefit professionals?
They enhance problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking abilities, valuable in virtually every profession.
Do animals exhibit logical or reasoning abilities?
Some animals show basic forms of reasoning, especially in problem-solving or navigating their environments, but these are not on par with human logical standards.
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Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
