Reasonable vs. Rational — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 5, 2024
Reasonable suggests fairness and sound judgment, while rational pertains to logical thinking and reasoning.
Difference Between Reasonable and Rational
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Reasonable is often used to describe decisions, actions, or people that are fair, sensible, and show sound judgment, taking into account all relevant circumstances. It implies a level of moderation and practicality, suggesting that the person or action is guided by reason but also tempered by empathy and understanding of human limitations. Whereas rational focuses more strictly on logic and reasoning, emphasizing the process of thinking in a clear, logical, and coherent manner. Rational decisions or beliefs are based on facts, evidence, and logical deductions rather than emotions or personal biases.
While a reasonable person is seen as someone who makes judgments that are fair and balanced, considering both logical and emotional aspects, a rational person is viewed primarily through the lens of logical analysis and objective reasoning. For instance, a reasonable price takes into account factors like market demand, cost of production, and consumer expectations, while a rational decision in economics strictly adheres to maximizing utility based on available information.
In the context of debate or argument, being reasonable might involve seeking common ground and understanding the opponent's perspective, showing openness to compromise. On the other hand, being rational entails adhering to logical principles and evidence without necessarily considering the emotional or subjective aspects of the discussion.
Reasonableness is often applied in legal and ethical contexts to determine what a typical person would deem fair or appropriate under certain circumstances. This concept allows for a degree of subjectivity and acknowledges the complexity of human situations. In contrast, rationality is a cornerstone of scientific inquiry and philosophical logic, where the validity of arguments is assessed based on strict adherence to logical rules and empirical evidence.
The distinction between being reasonable and being rational highlights the balance between emotional intelligence and logical reasoning in human decision-making. While rationality seeks the most logical outcome, reasonableness understands the importance of fairness, empathy, and practicality in human interactions.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Fair, sensible, based on good judgment.
Based on or in accordance with reason or logic.
Focus
Balances logic with fairness and empathy.
Prioritizes logical reasoning and evidence.
Application
Often used in legal, ethical, and personal decisions.
Key in scientific, mathematical, and logical analysis.
Decision-making
Considers practicality, human limitations, and broader context.
Focuses on coherence, logical structure, and factual correctness.
Emotional Consideration
May incorporate emotional intelligence and empathy.
Generally eschews emotional influence in favor of objective reasoning.
Compare with Definitions
Reasonable
Reflecting empathy and understanding.
He was reasonable about the unforeseen delay.
Rational
Coherent and logical.
The theory must be rational to be scientifically accepted.
Reasonable
Adaptable to circumstances.
We need to find a reasonable solution that satisfies everyone.
Rational
Adhering to reason.
Rational thinking is crucial in critical situations.
Reasonable
Fair and sensible.
The teacher made a reasonable request for quiet in the classroom.
Rational
Free from emotional bias.
He made a rational decision despite his personal feelings.
Reasonable
Based on sound judgment.
It's reasonable to expect an apology after such behavior.
Rational
Showing clear thought.
Rational planning is essential for the project's success.
Reasonable
Moderate and not excessive.
The restaurant's prices are reasonable for the quality of food.
Rational
Based on logic or reason.
Her argument was rational and well-supported by evidence.
Reasonable
Having sound judgement; fair and sensible
No reasonable person could have objected
Rational
Having or exercising the ability to reason.
Reasonable
As much as is appropriate or fair; moderate
A police officer may use reasonable force to gain entry
Rational
Consistent with or based on reason or good judgment; logical or sensible
Rational decisions.
Reasonable
Capable of reasoning; rational
A reasonable person.
Rational
Of sound mind; sane
Wondered if the eccentric neighbor was not completely rational.
Reasonable
Governed by or being in accordance with reason or sound thinking
A reasonable solution to the problem.
Rational
(Mathematics) Capable of being expressed as a quotient of integers.
Reasonable
Being within the bounds of common sense
Arrive home at a reasonable hour.
Rational
A rational number.
Reasonable
Not excessive or extreme; fair
Reasonable prices.
Rational
Capable of reasoning.
Man is a rational creature.
Reasonable
Having the faculty of reason; rational, reasoning.
Rational
Logically sound; not self-contradictory or otherwise absurd.
His statements were quite rational.
Reasonable
Just; fair; agreeable to reason.
Rational
(of a person or personal characteristics) Healthy or balanced intellectually; exhibiting reasonableness.
Rational conduct
Reasonable
Not excessive or immoderate; within due limits; proper.
A reasonable demand, amount, or price
Rational
Of a number, capable of being expressed as the ratio of two integers.
¾ is a rational number, but √2 is an irrational number.
Reasonable
Not expensive; fairly priced.
$20 a bottle is very reasonable for a good wine at a restaurant.
Rational
Of an algebraic expression, capable of being expressed as the ratio of two polynomials.
Reasonable
Satisfactory.
The builders did a reasonable job, given the short notice.
Rational
(chemistry) Expressing the type, structure, relations, and reactions of a compound; graphic; said of formulae.
Reasonable
Having the faculty of reason; endued with reason; rational; as, a reasonable being.
Rational
(physics) Expressing a physical object.
A rational table is physical, a written table is neither.
Reasonable
Governed by reason; being under the influence of reason; thinking, speaking or acting rationally, or according to the dictates of reason; agreeable to reason; just; rational; as, the measure must satisfy all reasonable men.
By indubitable certainty, I mean that which doth not admit of any reasonable cause of doubting.
Men have no right to what is not reasonable.
Rational
(mathematics) A rational number: a number that can be expressed as the quotient of two integers.
The quotient of two rationals is again a rational.
Reasonable
Not excessive or immoderate; within due limits; proper; as, a reasonable demand, amount, price.
Let . . . all things be thought uponThat may, with reasonable swiftness, addMore feathers to our wings.
Rational
Relating to the reason; not physical; mental.
Moral philosophy was his chiefest end; for the rational, the natural, and mathematics . . . were but simple pastimes in comparison of the other.
Reasonable
Reasonably; tolerably.
I have a reasonable good ear in music.
Rational
Having reason, or the faculty of reasoning; endowed with reason or understanding; reasoning.
It is our glory and happiness to have a rational nature.
Reasonable
Showing reason or sound judgment;
A sensible choice
A sensible person
Rational
Agreeable to reason; not absurd, preposterous, extravagant, foolish, fanciful, or the like; wise; judicious; as, rational conduct; a rational man.
Reasonable
Not excessive or extreme;
A fairish income
Reasonable prices
Rational
Expressing the type, structure, relations, and reactions of a compound; graphic; - said of formulæ. See under Formula.
What higher in her society thou find'stAttractive, human, rational, love still.
A law may be reasonable in itself, although a man does not allow it, or does not know the reason of the lawgivers.
Reasonable
Marked by sound judgment;
Sane nuclear policy
Rational
A rational being.
Rational
Consistent with or based on or using reason;
Rational behavior
A process of rational inference
Rational thought
Rational
Of or associated with or requiring the use of the mind;
Intellectual problems
The triumph of the rational over the animal side of man
Rational
Capable of being expressed as a quotient of integers;
Rational numbers
Rational
Having its source in or being guided by the intellect (distinguished from experience or emotion);
A rational analysis
Common Curiosities
How does rationality impact problem-solving?
Rationality impacts problem-solving by providing a logical framework that helps identify the most coherent and effective solutions based on evidence.
Can a decision be both reasonable and rational?
Yes, a decision can be both reasonable and rational if it is made with fairness, practicality, and logical reasoning.
Why is reasonableness important?
Reasonableness is important because it ensures decisions are fair, sensible, and considerate of the broader context and human limitations.
Can someone be rational but not reasonable?
Yes, someone can be rational but not reasonable if their decisions, while logical, lack fairness, empathy, or practical consideration for others.
What is rational thought?
Rational thought is the process of thinking clearly, logically, and coherently, based on facts and evidence.
What does reasonable mean?
Reasonable refers to actions, decisions, or people that are fair, sensible, and show sound judgment.
Why might a reasonable approach be preferred in negotiations?
A reasonable approach might be preferred in negotiations because it promotes fairness, understanding, and compromise, leading to more amicable resolutions.
Can rational decisions sometimes seem unreasonable?
Yes, rational decisions can sometimes seem unreasonable if they disregard fairness, empathy, or the social and emotional context.
How does society value rationality?
Society values rationality for its role in fostering clear, logical thinking and decision-making, especially in scientific and academic fields.
How is rationality measured?
Rationality is often measured by the coherence, logical structure, and evidence supporting an argument or decision.
Is it better to be reasonable or rational?
Whether it's better to be reasonable or rational depends on the context; often, a balance of both is ideal in making well-rounded decisions.
What role does emotion play in being reasonable?
Emotion plays a role in being reasonable by informing decisions with empathy, understanding, and consideration for human feelings.
What is an example of a rational choice in economics?
An example of a rational choice in economics is choosing to invest in stocks with a high return on investment based on thorough market analysis.
How do legal systems use the concept of reasonableness?
Legal systems use the concept of reasonableness to determine what a typical, prudent person would consider fair or appropriate under certain circumstances.
How do reasonableness and rationality relate to ethical decision-making?
In ethical decision-making, reasonableness and rationality together ensure decisions are both morally defensible and logically sound, balancing fairness with logical consistency.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
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.
