Reid's Argumentative Analysis

It is apparent that the mind of man is far evolved from that of animals, and Reid helps us to understand that it is reason that secures this notion. My questioning would then be: since reason is applied in the commencement of all of our actions, and judgment influences reason by default, wouldn’t a decision to obtain resources to relieve one’s hunger be evolved as well? The instinctive bodily reactions to hunger and thirst are primal, yes, however, for men of maturity, there is the inescapable prologue of choice. The initiative to fulfill these needs is automatically flooded with awareness and judgment, ergo, what was once an animalistic principle has become rational by the endowment of reason. An example of this rationale may be as simple as If I eat, I will stop being hungry, replacing I need to eat because I don’t want to …show more content…
We understand that reason is crucial to the implementation of laws, another item that demonstrates our advancement over animal minds. Reid elaborates by indentifying the two factors that may impact one’s observance of the law, interest and duty. These may work in accordance or in opposition, but duty will likely always be accepted by society as a cause for action, whereas interest may not. A man may choose to undergo an immediately unappealing or not directly pleasing task for the sake of fulfilling his duty and for the betterment of his community. His use of reason however, brings about this concept of choice once again. Since man is an autonomous being, there is always a rational awareness at the forefront of any action he takes, including those thoughts that are subconscious. A man of dignity may willingly ascribe to endeavors that are assumed to improve the society in which he lives. Nevertheless, his cooperation will presumably serve to better himself, his family, or his community, all of which are of value to him, the