Rationality

When choosing between two paths, isn't it rational to choose the path where you are most wanted? If I am choosing between two partners, would it make sense to choose the path where I am more needed rather than where I would rather be? The argument goes like this: 1. More needed = more wanted 2. More wanted = more useful 3. Life = using your time to be the most useful you can be 4. Life should be made with choices that allow you to be where you are most needed If someone hears this argument and argues that I should choose where I WANT to be, wouldn't it suffice to say that I will want to make the choice that is most rational?

Comments

This raises a number of issues. Perhaps the categories you are identifying (most wanted, where you want to be, most useful, most needed, more rational) need to be subordinated to the concept what is good, irrespective of who wants what. So if you are choosing between two partners (to take your example) you might think first and foremost about whether the relatioship would be good (contribute to each other's flourishing, for example) for one or both of you and, once you have determined that, it will follow naturally (presumably) that you will want that which is mutually satisfying and fulfilling. Without identifying the context of a decision in terms of goods, just being needed by a person or thing would not itself be a good reasons for you to pursue or want that person or thing. I think the same is likely true in terms of wants. Merely wanting X (without any other information) may not be a sufficient reason to pursue X or to think it good for you to pursue X. If, however, you secure some concept of goodness (e.g. even some very general belief that human life is good), then wants may have a prima facie goodness, but this will always (presumably) be subject to reflection and challenge. Wanting sex may be a prima facie reason to pursue a sexual relationship, but it would not entitle one to think that pursuing sex under any condition whatever is good!

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