Yes – and rationality must be applied, or else it collapses into sophistry. That was the essential idea behind Something to Protect, for example.
Secondarily, asking this question may prevent a subset of disputes about definitions.
Fully agreed!
I still struggle with applying what I learn, or even having it available at the right time. But i make progress. How does the question prevent disputes about definitions? I fail to see that.
It has been claimed on this site that the fundamental question of rationality is "What do you believe, and why do you believe it?".
A good question it is, but I claim there is another of equal importance. I ask you, Less Wrong...
What are you doing?
And why are you doing it?