reason

1. n. consecutive thought, as in deduction or induction. Although at one time reason was considered a mental faculty, this meaning is typically not intended in current usage. See deductive reasoning; inductive reasoning.

2. n. in philosophy, the intellect (or nous) regarded as the source of true knowledge. See rationalism.

3. n. soundness of mind.

4. n. a statement offered to justify an action or decision or to explain the occurrence of an event.

5. vb. see reasoning.

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Psychology term of the day

May 8th 2024

weapons effect

increased hostility or a heightened inclination to aggression produced by the mere sight of a weapon. If provoked, individuals who have previously been shown a weapon will behave more aggressively than will those who have not. Subsequent research has indicated that this aggressive behavior is primed by the sight or suggestion of weapons (see priming) and that any other object associated with aggression can have the same effect. [identified in 1967 by U.S. psychologists Leonard Berkowitz (1926– ) and Anthony LePage]