Reasonableness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Philosophy

• Philosophical theorists argue that reasonableness is a cornerstone of ethical decision-making.
• In applied ethics, reasonableness refers to the fair treatment of individuals in moral considerations.
• John Rawls, in his 'Theory of Justice,' emphasizes reasonableness as fundamental to societal cooperation.

Law

• In legal contexts, 'reasonableness' often determines whether an action was acceptable under the law.
• The 'reasonable person standard' evaluates behavior based on how an average person would react.
• Courts frequently use the concept in negligence cases, judging if a person's actions were prudent.

Psychology

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy often promotes reasonableness to help individuals manage irrational thoughts.
• Mental models based on reasonableness can improve conflict resolution skills by fostering understanding.
• Research indicates that adopting a reasonable mindset can lead to better emotional regulation.

Cultural References

• The concept has been explored in literature where characters often face conflicts between emotions and rational thoughts.
• In various cultures, the virtue of being reasonable is taught as a fundamental part of social harmony.
• Famous quotes about reasonableness often revolve around its importance in negotiations and reconciliations.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'reasonableness' comes from the Old French word 'raisonnable,' which means 'logical' or 'sensible.'
• It combines the root 'reason' with the suffix '-ness,' indicating a quality or state.
• The concept has its roots in philosophy, with important figures like Aristotle discussing rational thought.

The word 'reasonableness' originated in the late 16th century from the word 'reasonable' with the suffix '-ness' added to form a noun. It has been used in legal contexts to refer to the concept of fairness and good judgment. Over time, it has also come to represent the general quality of being sensible, logical, and fair in everyday situations.

See also: outreason, reason, reasonable, reasonably, reasoned, reasoning, reasons, unreasonable, unreasonableness, unreasonably.

Ranked #10,930, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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