Emotional reasoning can cloud judgment from "summary" of The Coddling of the American Mind by Jonathan Haidt,Greg Lukianoff
When we allow our emotions to guide our thinking, we risk making decisions that are not based on logic or evidence. This phenomenon, known as emotional reasoning, can cloud our judgment and lead us astray. In the book, the authors discuss how emotional reasoning can distort our perceptions of reality, causing us to see threats where there are none or to interpret neutral situations as dangerous. This can have serious consequences, as our actions and decisions are influenced by our emotional responses. One common example of emotional reasoning is the tendency to catastrophize, or imagine the worst-case scenario in any given situation. When we are feeling anxious or fearful, our minds may automatically jump to the most negative interpretation of events, even if there is no evidence to support this view. This can lead to irrational behavior and poor decision-making, as we are not thinking rationally about the situation at hand. Another way in which emotional reasoning can cloud our judgment is through the phenomenon of confirmation bias. This is the tendency to seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs and ignore or discount evidence that contradicts them. When we are emotionally invested in a particular viewpoint, we may be more likely to overlook evidence that challenges it, leading us to make decisions based on incomplete or biased information.- It is important to cultivate self-awareness and emotional regulation. By being mindful of our emotional responses and taking steps to manage them effectively, we can prevent our emotions from hijacking our thinking and clouding our judgment. This includes practicing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and cognitive reframing to help us stay calm and rational in the face of challenging situations. Ultimately, by recognizing the influence of our emotions on our thinking and decision-making, we can strive to make more reasoned and objective choices in our lives.
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