Reasoning

Those who invalidate reason ought seriously to consider whether they argue against reason with or without reason; If with reason, then they establish the principle that they are laboring to dethrone: but if the argue without reason (Which, in order to be consistent they must do), they are out of reach of rational conviction, nor do they deserve a rational argument.
-Ethan Allen
     This quote I found in Carl Sagan's The Demon Haunted World, which concerns the state of science in modern day society. In the book, he explains how science and scientific thought is being attacked by pseudoscience, new age metaphysics, and culture. In all, this book is his defense of scientific thinking and rational thought. The quote stood out to me especially because I am in a logic and critical reasoning course.
     It really is impossible for somebody to argue against reasoning and logic because in order to do that and convince other people, they must use what they are arguing against. And in that reasoning, there is the paradox which really shows to me the importance of this concept called reason.
P1-One cannot argue against reason with reason without undermining their own argument
P2- One cannot argue against reason without reason because one could not argue it rationally.
C-One cannot argue against reason successfully.