As a result of the linguistic turn, it is now a philosophical commonplace that a theory of rationality must be based on the analysis of the competencies we possess as linguistically communicating beings. However, if the theory of rationality aims towards a theory of understanding, it is questionable whether our conception of reason remains inadequate as long as highly developed non-linguistic forms of communication and understanding (such as in art) remain opaque. Therefore, based on a viable theory of media, an attempt is made here to expand the theory of rationality in such a way that the full range of means that enable understanding and thinking can be explored.