Irrationality Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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irrationality
[ɪˌræʃ.əˈnæl.ɪ.ti ]
Definitions
in psychology
The quality of being irrational; lacking the power of reasoning; contrary to reason; illogical.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| irrationality |
This word is best used when describing thoughts, actions, or beliefs that lack reason or logical basis. It often implies a departure from normal or expected rational thinking.
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| illogical |
Use this word when referring to something that does not follow a logical sequence or common sense. Typically, it highlights a contradiction in reasoning or argument.
|
| unreasonable |
This word is used to describe demands, expectations, or behaviors that are not fair or sensible. It implies a lack of balance or proportion, often seen as excessive or unfair.
|
Examples of usage
- Her irrationality made it difficult to have a logical conversation with her.
- His irrationality led to impulsive decision-making.
in mathematics
The quality of being irrational; a number that cannot be expressed as a ratio of two integers, such as the square root of 2.
Synonyms
non-rational, transcendental.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| irrationality |
This term is used to describe situations or behaviors that lack reasoning or logic. It often conveys a sense of chaos or disorder.
|
| transcendental |
This word describes something that goes beyond ordinary experience or understanding, often related to philosophy, spirituality, or mathematics. It carries a sense of being elevated or profound.
|
| non-rational |
This term is used in a more neutral or clinical sense to describe things that do not involve or are not based on rational thought. It is more academic and less emotionally charged.
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Examples of usage
- The number pi is an example of irrationality in mathematics.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Human behavior often defies logic, leading psychologists to study how emotions and biases influence decisions.
- The Dunning-Kruger effect shows that people with less knowledge about a topic may think they know more than they do, leading to seemingly irrational choices.
- Cognitive dissonance occurs when people hold two conflicting beliefs, causing them to act in ways that may seem irrational.
Philosophy
- Philosophers like David Hume argued that human reasoning is often guided by feelings rather than rational thought.
- Karl Popper suggested that science progresses through irrational leaps, where theories begin as unprovable hypotheses before being tested.
- Existentialists challenge traditional logic, asserting that human existence contains inherent absurdities.
Mathematics
- In mathematics, 'irrational numbers' like the square root of 2 cannot be expressed as simple fractions, illustrating a form of irrationality in numbers.
- The concept of infinite series often leads to conclusions that challenge intuitive thinking, revealing a different kind of irrationality.
- Game theory shows how people's choices in competitive situations can lead to irrational group outcomes, known as the 'prisoner's dilemma.'
History
- Throughout history, many leaders have made emotionally charged decisions that appeared irrational but were deeply influenced by cultural narratives.
- The Salem witch trials exemplified collective irrationality, where fear and superstition overtook logical thinking, leading to tragic consequences.
- Events like stock market crashes often showcase how investor panic can result in irrational decision-making, ignoring fundamental economic principles.
Pop Culture
- Movies often portray characters making irrational choices under pressure, highlighting the struggle between emotion and reason.
- Reality TV shows frequently amplify irrational behavior for entertainment, revealing how people act when faced with extreme situations.
- Literature is filled with irrational characters, representing the complexity of human motivations and the unpredictability of behavior.
Origin of 'irrationality'
The word 'irrationality' originated from the Latin word 'irrationalis', which means 'not endowed with reason'. The concept of irrationality has been studied in various fields including psychology, mathematics, and philosophy. In psychology, irrationality refers to behavior or thoughts that are not based on reason or logic. In mathematics, an irrational number is a number that cannot be expressed as a ratio of two integers. The study of irrationality has led to important discoveries and insights in these fields.
See also: irrationally.