Reason for a record, I see (5)
I believe the answer is:
logic
'reason' is the definition.
(logic is using reason)
'a record i see' is the wordplay.
'a record' becomes 'log' (log is a kind of record).
'see' becomes 'C' (the word for the letter, according to Chambers).
'log'+'i'+'c'='LOGIC'
'for' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for logic that I've seen before include "Science of correct reasoning" , "The science of reasoning from cause to effect" , "Chain of reasoning" , "Reasonable judgement" , "Reasoned thinking" .)