Hierarchy of Rationality and Colonial Justification

The hierarchy of rationality historically led to the belief that less rational individuals, including women and individuals of different skin colors or genetics, were better suited for roles other than leadership positions. This belief system permeated Western philosophy for centuries, with thinkers like Descartes and Kant emphasizing the superiority of rational beings over non-rational beings. This hierarchy of intelligence was also used to justify colonialism, with the idea that less intelligent people needed European culture to be civilized and governed properly.