I think rational should be reserved for some level of conscious choice, probably conceptually mediated.
I don’t want to say you’re more rational than I am if your enzymes are more efficient, or if you react more effectively to avoid the rush of oncoming defensive linemen than I do. Optimal is much broader than rational. By rational we mean consciously choosing the optimal, not just being optimal.
I think rational should be reserved for some level of conscious choice, probably conceptually mediated.
I don’t want to say you’re more rational than I am if your enzymes are more efficient, or if you react more effectively to avoid the rush of oncoming defensive linemen than I do. Optimal is much broader than rational. By rational we mean consciously choosing the optimal, not just being optimal.