Repression, Integrity and Practical Reasoning

by Gary Jaeger

Often it is most rational for us to repress the temptation to satisfy those desires that conflict with our most established goals or that seem contrary to our way of life. Sometimes, however, failing to see the reason-giving force of these desires leads to the least rational course of action. This book argues that sometimes we have reasons to overcome repression and that these reasons are unlike any other reasons for action typically recognized by philosophers. Even though they are relative to our desires, reasons to overcome repression are external in the sense that we cannot deliberate about them. If we could correctly deliberate about them, we would already have overcome repression and would lose our reason to do so. Although seemingly irrational at first, overcoming repression is rational is so far as it enhances integrity and makes us a more active agent over time.

180 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012