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The Rational Brain vs. the Emotional Brain:
The Crucial Art of Clear ouThinking under
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Naznin Akter, Ph.D., PMP® + Suivre
Module Development Engineer @ Intel |Editor-in-Chief IPS Newsroom|
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Speaker🎤 | Blogger📝| Thought Leader| Volunteer @ IEEE & PMI Portland
Publié le 17 févr. 2024
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Have you ever wondered why so many of us have trouble making the right choices
when we are under pressure? The human brain is a complex marvel, an intricate
network that regulates our emotions, thoughts, and actions. The two most important
parts of human brain are the emotional brain, which regulates our emotions and reflex
responses, and the rational brain, which is associated with cognitive functioning and
rational thinking. To analyze human behavior, we need to understand the function of
these two brains and their interactions. When faced with situations of stress, anxiety, or
overwhelm, our brains can be wired to respond instinctively—usually relying on a fight-
or-flight response. In this article, we will explore the importance of thinking clearly
under pressure, understanding our instincts, and applying logical reasoning abilities to
deal with difficult situations.

Understanding the human brain through the lenses of Science, Philosophy, and Psychology:

The Rational Brain:

Scientific studies and Psychological research utilizing neuroimaging techniques, such as

functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), have identified increased prefrontal cortex
activation during tasks requiring logical reasoning. The rational brain is primarily housed in
the prefrontal cortex, responsible for executive functions such as reasoning, decision-making,
and problem-solving. For instance, research by Owen et al. (1996) and Goel and Dolan (2003)
demonstrated heightened prefrontal cortex activity when subjects engaged in complex
problem-solving exercises.

Philosophers throughout history have contemplated the nature of reason and rationality.
Descartes, in his famous declaration "Cogito, ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am"),
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emphasized the centrality of reason as the foundationpour
of human existence. Kant, in his
voirtoplus
"Critique of Pure Reason," sought de contenu
understand the limits and possibilities of human
cognition. These philosophical inquiries into reason highlight the pursuit of understanding the
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The Emotional Brain:
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The emotional brain, centered around structures like the amygdala and limbic system, plays a
crucial role in processing emotions and generating rapid responses to environmental stimuli.
ou
Studies by LeDoux and Morris et al. (1998) have highlighted the amygdala's involvement in
the processing of emotional information.
En cliquant sur ContinuerThe
pour amygdala, often
vous inscrire ou vous referred to as the brain's fear
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center, which is responsible for processing emotions, plays a significant role in triggering our
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fight or flight responsecookies
while dehijacking
LinkedIn. our thought processes. When faced with a perceived
threat, whether real or imagined, the amygdala kicks into action, flooding our system with
stress hormones, and preparing us to either confront the danger or flee from it. While this
instinctual response served our ancestors well in life-threatening situations, in today's
complex world, it can often
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to impulsive
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and irrational behavior.
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Emotions, often considered the subjective and ephemeral aspects of human experience, have
been a focal point for philosophers like Spinoza and Hume. Spinoza, in his "Ethics," proposed
a more nuanced understanding of emotions, suggesting that they arise from the confluence
of ideas. Hume, in his "A Treatise of Human Nature," argued for the primacy of emotions in
shaping our beliefs and actions. These philosophical perspectives delve into the depth and
significance of the emotional brain in shaping our subjective reality.

Interplay between Rational and Emotional Brain:

 Scientific research suggests a dynamic interplay between the rational and emotional brain,
challenging the notion of a strict dichotomy. Damasio's somatic marker hypothesis proposes
that emotions play a pivotal role in decision-making, guiding us toward choices that align with
our values and goals. Damasio et al.'s work (1996) has demonstrated the impact of emotional
signals on decision-making processes, showcasing the integration of emotions in rational
cognitive functions.

Philosophers have debated whether reason and emotion exist in harmony or conflict.
Aristotle, in his "Nicomachean Ethics," advocated for finding the mean between extremes,
suggesting that a virtuous life involves balancing reason and emotion. Existentialist thinkers
like Sartre, however, explored the tension between reason and emotion, contending that
individuals must grapple with the responsibility of making authentic choices despite
emotional uncertainties.

Psychologists recognize that the rational and emotional brain interact in complex ways,
influencing our thoughts, decisions, and behaviors. Dual-process models, such as the one
proposed by Kahneman (2011) in his book "Thinking, Fast and Slow," suggest that human
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cognition involves both intuitive (emotional) and deliberative (rational) processes. This
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framework highlights how emotions de contenu
can influence decision-making, sometimes leading to
irrational or biased judgments.
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Emotional Biases and Decision vous pour continuer votre recherche
Making:

The emotional brain can introduce biases S’identifier

into decision-making processes. Tversky and
Kahneman's prospect theory (1979) outlined how individuals often make decisions based on
emotional responses to potential gains or losses, ou deviating from strict rational calculations.
This research sheds light on how emotional biases can influence our choices, even when a
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more logical alternativeidentifier,
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Philosophical discussions on ethics often involve considerations of both reason and emotion.
Utilitarianism, articulated by Bentham and Mill, emphasizes rational calculations to maximize
overall happiness. On the other hand, virtue ethics, championed by Aristotle, emphasizes the
development of virtuous character, incorporating emotional responses as integral to moral
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decision-making.
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Psychological research has identified various biases associated with emotional processing that
can impact decision-making. For instance, the affect heuristic, described by Slovic et al.
(2007), suggests that people often rely on their emotional reactions to assess the risks and
benefits of different options, leading to biased judgments.

The Art of Thinking Clearly - Understanding the Rational and Emotional Brain
Identifying the Instinctual Pitfall and overcoming it to engage in clear and logical thinking:

Being aware of the physiological and emotional responses triggered by stress allows us
to take a step back and evaluate the situation more objectively. It's crucial to
understand that not every stressor requires an immediate, instinctual response. So, how
do we override these primal instincts and tap into the power of clear thinking, even in
the face of adversity?

Awareness: Philosophical self-examination, psychological insights into emotional regulation,

and scientific awareness of cognitive processes collectively contribute to self-awareness which
is the first step towards mastering clarity. Recognize when stress and pressure are clouding
your judgment. By acknowledging your emotional state, you can begin to regain control over
your thoughts and actions.

Pause and Reflect: Instead of succumbing to the immediate impulse to react, take a moment
to pause and reflect. Step back from the situation, breathe deeply, and allow yourself the
space to evaluate the options calmly. In situations where decisive action is necessary, such as
emergencies or time-sensitive tasks, it's essential to channel the energy from the fight
response effectively. Rather than succumbing to panic and flight response, focus on problem-
solving, break down the task at hand, and tackle it step by step. Clear thinking in these
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and an ability to prioritize actions based on their
impact.
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Engage the Rational Brain: Créez The prefrontal
votre comptecortex,
gratuitoften referred to as the rational brain, is
ou identifiez-
the key to clear thinking undervouspressure. Unlike votre
pour continuer the amygdala-driven
recherche responses, the prefrontal
cortex enables us to analyze, plan, and make decisions based on reason rather than raw
emotion. Training ourselves to engage this part of the brain during stressful situations is
S’identifier
essential for effective problem-solving and to make informed decisions. While the amygdala
may be screaming for attention, engage the rational part of your brain, the prefrontal cortex.
ou
By consciously shifting your focus to logical thinking, you can override emotional impulses
and make more informed choices.
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Seek Perspective: When faced
cookies with a challenging situation, seek perspective from others.
de LinkedIn.
Discussing the issue with a trusted friend, mentor, or colleague can offer fresh insights and
alternative viewpoints that you may have overlooked in the heat of the moment.

Practice Mindfulness: Nouveau

Integrating
surphilosophical
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concepts of mindfulness with psychological
and scientific understandings
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can lead to practical techniques for staying present, reducing
stress, and fostering a clear mind. Cultivating mindfulness through meditation and other
mindfulness practices can help strengthen your ability to stay grounded and present, even in
stressful situations. Mindfulness enables you to observe your thoughts and emotions without
judgment, allowing you to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.

Develop Resilience: Drawing on philosophical resilience principles, psychological coping

strategies, and scientific findings on stress management, individuals can actively build
resilience to navigate challenges with a clear and focused mindset. Recognize that setbacks
and challenges are inevitable, but it's how you respond to them that matters most. Embrace
 failures as learning opportunities, and cultivate a growth mindset that thrives in the face of
adversity.

Overcoming Emotional Biases: Our thoughts are not immune to biases, especially when
emotions are running high. Confirmation bias, for instance, can lead us to seek information
that supports our pre-existing beliefs, rather than objectively evaluating the situation.
Recognizing and challenging these biases allows us to approach problems with a more open
and rational mindset.

Utilizing Thought Processes Effectively: To enhance our ability to think clearly, practice is
key. Regular mindfulness exercises, meditation, and strategic thinking exercises can
strengthen the connection between the rational brain and our decision-making processes.
Developing a habit of stepping back from intense emotions and adopting a more analytical
perspective can significantly improve our ability to think clearly under pressure.

Developing Cognitive Flexibility: Cognitive flexibility, the ability to adapt your thinking to
new and unexpected conditions, is a key factor in thinking clearly under pressure. Instead of
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getting stuck in a rigid thought pattern, be open to alternative perspectives and solutions.
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Consider seeking input from others, de contenu
as collaboration can often bring fresh insights and ideas.

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In a world that often demands quick responses, the ability to think clearly under
pressure is a valuable skill. Understanding the interplay between our instinctual
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responses and rational thinking allows us to navigate challenges more effectively. By
recognizing when to fight, when to avoid flight, ou and actively engaging the rational
brain, we can make better decisions
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sur Continuer obstacles
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Remember, the power toidentifier,
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clearly is within
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mindfulness to unleash its full de
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LinkedIn. To refine the art of clear thinking, there are
various resources available online that provide valuable insights. However, a personal
favorite of mine is "The Art of Thinking Clearly" by Rolf Dobelli. This book offers a
comprehensive exploration of how our minds function, uncovering the intricacies of
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biases and responses. It provides practical wisdom on how to cultivate awareness,
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enabling individuals to act with rationality and thoughtfulness rather than succumbing
to impulsive decisions. For those intrigued by the inner workings of the mind and the
pursuit of clearer thinking, delving into Dobelli's work can be an enlightening journey
(Note: This is not a promotional endorsement for the book, but rather a genuine
recommendation based on its content).

Trailblazer Leadership Mindset + S’abonner

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 J aime Commentaire Partager 14 1 commentaire

Varalakshmi(Laks) T. 2 mois
Personal Effectiveness Coach for Teens/ Youth (15 - 25 years) to break free from academic/peer pressure, conquer proc…

Thank you for sharing. Loved the prisoner of your own mind depiction.

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