Rationality as a Logical Form of Thinking in Philosophy and Scientific Activity

Research task. The purpose of the study is to consider the problem of rationality in a historical and philosophical context, to determine the nature, mechanisms of its development, different types of rationality in European philosophical thought. The study of the genesis of the idea of rationality in the context of the development of scientific knowledge will provide an opportunity to consider rationality as a form of thinking, both in philosophy and in science. Main material presentation. Rationality has historically been viewed primarily as logical consistency, orderliness, compliance with the set goal, and productivity in scientific knowledge or practical activity. Considering rationality in general, they determine the ability of thinking to operate with concepts, to reflect the world intelligently. Scientific rationality is the activity of creating idealized objects that are recognized by science. In the socio-cultural aspect, rationality appears as a correspondence to the socio-cultural system in which the activity is carried out. The socio-cultural aspect of rationality is considered from the point of view of values, that is, rationality as a value, but rationality itself can also include value aspects, then we can talk about the axiological aspects of scientific rationality. So, rationality allows us to outline a certain commensurability of thinking and being, and its consideration in the socio-cultural dimension in modern philosophical discourse makes it possible to realize different types of rationality, such as scientific, practical, artistic, corresponding to different spheres of human social life - science, philosophy, art, politics, personal life. Conclusions. The genesis of rationality originates from its understanding in Antiquity, it was addressed by philosophers of subsequent historical periods, and today, it is considered by scientists, and the complexity of its interpretation emphasizes the diversity of its forms. Philosophical understanding of the problem of scientific rationality is based on the concept of scientific truth, the most common concepts of its existence, the use of various methodological support for scientific research. Philosophy and science adhere to the logic of rational perception of the world, the main feature of rationality is the interpretation of being through reason, the determination of the laws of the existence of nature, man, society. Philosophy as reflective thinking, in which thought realizes itself in its attitude to reality, determines human self-affirmation in the world, and science as a purposeful activity, a powerful social institution, a component of industrial production and a set of fundamental research helps a person solve both theoretical problems and practical goals.