The Lack of Intrinsic Meaning in Matter and the Notion of Rationality

Science does not ascribe value or normative standards to matter; it simply describes how things are. Matter is deemed purposeless and lacking intrinsic meaning. Descartes argues that physical material, such as letters on a computer screen, has no intrinsic meaning, and meaning is only associated with ideas in the mind. Therefore, rationality, as the logical manipulation of propositions, is called into question, as it does not align with Descartes' view that rationality involves caring about the truth, purpose, normative standards, and values. The notion of rationality itself is considered deeply mysterious, and advocating for irrationality is viewed as philosophically problematic and misleading.