This book investigates whether human beings are inherently rational and how the debate surrounding this question should be resolved. Edward Stein, a scholar in philosophy and cognitive science, examines the competing conceptual frameworks that define rationality. He critiques the empirical evidence often cited to support claims of human irrationality and proposes that the resolution to this debate lies in the integration of advanced cognitive science rather than purely conceptual analysis. Ultimately, Stein argues for a naturalized epistemology, asserting that empirical findings are essential to the development of knowledge theory.

Experts recognize this work as a significant contribution to the intersection of philosophy and psychology, often citing it for its rigorous approach to the rationality debate. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which makes it a foundational text for those studying the philosophical implications of cognitive science.