Rationalité

The book is widely praised for offering valuable insights into human rationality from both psychological and sociological perspectives. Reviewers highlight its intriguing examples of how people make suboptimal choices, with one particularly commending an intuitive explanation of the Monty Hall problem. The book is lauded for clearly defining rationality and covering a broad spectrum of cognitive tools, including critical thinking, logic, statistics, probability, Bayesian reasoning, risk/reward, and game theory. Many readers found the writing engaging, fascinating, and even humorous, appreciating Pinker's witty style for making dense material more accessible. It is described as well-structured and well-researched, providing a solid recap of basic concepts and an optimistic view of humanity's capacity for reason. The later chapters, in particular, are commended for their impassioned arguments on why rationality seems scarce and its vital role in improving lives and maintaining a civilized society.

However, a significant number of reviewers found the book to be a challenging read, often resembling a technical textbook with a heavy focus on probability and statistics, presented in a pedantic style with formulas and philosophical musings. This made the content dense, dry, and difficult to follow for some. Critics also frequently noted that much of the material was unoriginal, merely summarizing existing ideas or concepts already covered in other popular books, leading to a lack of novel insights for readers familiar with the subjects. The title was perceived as misleading by some, setting expectations for a deeper psychological exploration rather than a guide to statistical and logical tools. Pinker's philosophical approach was criticized for perceived contradictions, particularly regarding the definition of reality and the application of reason to ends versus means. Additionally, some reviewers found Pinker's tone to be overly academic or even pretentious, limiting the book's appeal to a broader audience, and others alleged factual inaccuracies or biases in his political and social examples.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive overview of rationality, providing valuable cognitive tools for enhancing critical thinking and decision-making. It is best suited for readers seeking a structured introduction to logic, probability, statistics, and related concepts, or those looking to refresh their understanding. Readers who appreciate Pinker's characteristic style, including his humor and optimistic outlook on humanity's potential for reason, will likely find it rewarding. However, those expecting a purely psychological deep dive into irrationality, or individuals already well-versed in behavioral economics and statistical reasoning, might find much of the material to be a recap. The book demands patience and a willingness to engage with technical and sometimes challenging content, making it ideal for the dedicated student of rational thought rather than a casual reader seeking light entertainment or an entirely novel philosophical perspective.