ratiocination

[Klimt]

ratiocination
[rash-ee-os-uh-ney-shuhn, -oh-suh-, rat-ee-]

the process of logical reasoning.


When it is impossible to stretch the very elastic threads of historical ratiocination any farther, when actions are clearly contrary to all that humanity calls right or even just, the historians produce a saving conception of "greatness." "Greatness," it seems, excludes the standards of right and wrong. For the "great" man nothing is wrong, there is no atrocity for which a "great" man can be blamed.

We know that for logicians (formerly at any rate) the concept is the simple and primitive element; next comes the judgment, uniting two or several concepts; then ratiocination, combining two or several judgments.

Thus ratiocination in religious matters is dangerous. Were our religion to rest on speculative grounds, it would be but weakly assured if one wanted to demand proof of everything, for reason can go astray. So in order for religion to stand firm, all rationcination must be done away with...Religion is based solely on faith, which needs no logical proofs, but already suffices to presuppose itself as a necessary hypothesis.

[Slava]

An excellent word, especially meaningful to those who post Suggestions here.

What is the pattern of ratiocination the Good Doctor uses to decide what words to operate on?