Similar to a logicpost, but focused on dictating the specific mode of reasoning that is acceptable (e.g., purely utilitarian cost-benefit analysis, strict biological reductionism). It frames this mode as “reason itself,” branding other forms of reasoning (deontological, emotional, intuitive) as “unreasonable.”
Reasonpost Example: In an ethics debate, someone states, “The only reasonable way to judge this is through a utilitarian calculus of net happiness. Any appeal to ‘rights’ or ‘dignity’ is an emotional appeal, not reason.” They’ve set a reasonpost, excluding entire ethical traditions from the domain of valid discourse.
by Dumuabzu February 8, 2026
Get the Reasonpost mug.The act of shifting the governing mode of reasoning mid-debate to sidestep a compelling point made within the previous framework. When an opponent effectively uses utilitarian reasoning, for instance, the arguer might suddenly insist that “true reason” must consider long-term existential risks or deontological rules, invalidating the prior calculation.
Moving the Reasonpost Example:
You use data-driven, utilitarian reasoning to support a policy.
They say, “Your short-term numbers are irrelevant. A truly reasonable person would think generationally about cultural precedent. You’re being myopic.”
They’ve moved the reasonpost from quantitative utility to vague, long-term cultural reasoning to avoid your data.
You use data-driven, utilitarian reasoning to support a policy.
They say, “Your short-term numbers are irrelevant. A truly reasonable person would think generationally about cultural precedent. You’re being myopic.”
They’ve moved the reasonpost from quantitative utility to vague, long-term cultural reasoning to avoid your data.
by Dumuabzu February 8, 2026
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"Reasonist" is an archaic word that has no modern use, so I submit adopting it to define what an atheist actually is. "Atheist" is a demonized word that relies on what we DON'T believe in (theism) to define us. This is absurd, and is like calling oneself an "a-astrologist" or an "a-alchemist". Instead, there are astronomers and chemists, who have a positive label for the science they pursue.
Atheists are driven out of the communal dialog based solely on this label alone. It is time this is changed, and "Reasonist" defines exactly what we believe in: REASON. We leave faith to the theists; for us, reason is not only the tool, it is the entire toolbox itself, for without reason, theism would not even exist as a philosophy or even a concept or a word. We are reasonists.
Atheists are driven out of the communal dialog based solely on this label alone. It is time this is changed, and "Reasonist" defines exactly what we believe in: REASON. We leave faith to the theists; for us, reason is not only the tool, it is the entire toolbox itself, for without reason, theism would not even exist as a philosophy or even a concept or a word. We are reasonists.
I do not have any beliefs in gods because I am a reasonist.
As a reasonist, I do not endorse faith as a means to knowledge.
I know Mao and Stalin were atheists, but I don't define myself as what I am not, I define myself as what I am, which is a reasonist.
As a reasonist, I do not endorse faith as a means to knowledge.
I know Mao and Stalin were atheists, but I don't define myself as what I am not, I define myself as what I am, which is a reasonist.
by George Scileppi January 10, 2008
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