The Philosophy of Cordial Reason: Justice, Character, and True Happiness

Cordial Reason: The Foundation of Ethical Dialogue

Reason cannot truly engage in dialogue unless it is a friendly reason—a reason that carries elements that for centuries have been considered outsiders, but which are essential to human connection. The term 'cordial' comes from the Latin word cor cordis, meaning 'heart,' signifying the deep core of each person.

People cannot participate in a dialogue about what is fair for everyone if certain preconditions are not met. These include:

• Feeling attracted by certain values.
• Forging a certain character.
• Experiencing moral sentiments (always avoiding violence in all its manifestations).

Thus, communicability, values, character, and moral sentiments constitute Cordial Reason. Like everything friendly in human reason, it can be taught, helping people to develop two basic feelings:

1. The Sense of Justice: This involves aligning our beliefs and values to act justly—the first ethical requirement.
2. The Sense of Gratitude: Recognizing the urgency of sharing with others the goods that are not strictly required but are necessary for happiness.

Common Relationship Challenges

The most prominent problems are those concerning our relationships with others. The dangers that lurk in our relationships often vary depending on the area:

• Coexistence with friends.
• Relationships with parents.
• Romantic relationships.
• Relationships with colleagues.

Learning the Art of Relating

It cannot be forgotten that people learn how to relate. Experience shows that the fundamental requirements of any successful human relationship are twofold:

Respect

It is essential and foremost. If we do not value ourselves and others, it is difficult to live an authentically human life.

Affection

This is also essential because the human being is not solely, or even mainly, rational. We can say that we are rational thanks to the love we receive.

It is good that we offer respect and also demand it from others. For all these reasons, gestures, words, and actions are very important.

Living Well Versus Feeling Good

Happiness is almost never guaranteed. Many people confuse happiness with mere well-being. The reasons for not feeling good about oneself can be very different. The most common reasons are related to confusing possession with being:

1. Confusing Having with Being: We strive to possess things, but in that effort, we must not abandon our own personal self-construction.
2. Lack of Criteria: Lacking the necessary criteria to solve certain problems.

Failure and Responsibility: The Self and the World

We cannot ignore others and live unconcerned about their suffering. The phrase, "That is not my problem," besides being false, is cruel. We are responsible for the suffering of people we know.

However, no human existence is a complete failure, nor is it a complete success. Authentic life has two fundamental dimensions:

• The World
• The Self