Ritualized Rationality and Arms Control

The Bulletin has published, and intends to publish again in the near future, articles on arms control and disarmament—some of which, at least, may be considered as examples of “ritualized rationality.” Donald Michael, a psychologist on the Senior Staff of the Brookings Institution, reminds us of the irrationality present in all men, and warns us not to refuse to acknowledge it in order to be able to present formally rational answers to the problems of our times.