Unveiling reason: Emmanuel Eze and the question of diversity in rationality

Emmanuel Eze's (2008) On Reason: Rationality in a World of Cultural Conflict and Racism analyzes pure conceptions of reason in philosophy, but does so from the perspective of society and culture. His argument is based on the idea that rationality is a practical disposition or capacity. By connecting a practical disposition of rationality to the questions and problems of social diversity, Eze's offers a method to judge any system of reasoning. He ends up with the method he favors because he believes there is a connection between rationality and sociality. The concept of ordinary historical reasoning embodies this methodology. The thesis will describe and explore Eze's claims in three-sections, first by looking at the connection he makes between rationality and social issues with diversity. The second section will connect his method with issues in modern and postmodern philosophy, to interpret and explain rationality. Finally the third-section will judge the viability of his method by exercising it. The final judgment about viability will ultimately come from the demonstration or experience of the method working. It is an implementation of Eze's method that may be viewed as an endeavor in bleeding ones' gums.