Admitting you have a problem (with reasoning) is the first step to recovery (seeing the world as realistically as possible). Telling us “Why We Get Spun” in chapter four, Jackson and Jamieson underscore specific traps that reveal the natural human tendencies that make it challenging for us to view the outside world without bias, wishful thinking, or emotional reasoning.
The fact that we give into emotionally biased reasoning or crave certainty is something we should not try to deny; instead we have to play off it. The insert, “This is your Brain on Politics” was a great scientific illustration showing that at times our brain does act on emotional impulse. The brain scans showed images of Kerry and Bush supporters that were confronted with critical statements of each. Each group let their favored candidate off easily while crushing the other candidate. The scan results showed that there was only increased activation on the emotional circuits, not those parts of the brain needed during reasoning. It’s disappointing isn’t it? But hey, I know all about drowning in emotion.
Admitting that I am extremely sentiment, reactive, and emotional is a total understatement. I get defensive and heated when it comes to arguing about particular topics. I like to say I’m passionate, it’s a great excuse. It happens to us all. That’s the bottom line, so what can we do about? This chapter has reminded me to be like the scientist. If I am a true advocate concerning relative issues I should research them to the furthest extent, work to disapprove them, jump on the other side and gain a fresh perspective. If we can learn to channel our “passion” or overload of emotional circuits into admitting that our natural human tendencies often get the best of us then we have nothing to be ashamed of and can hopefully jump out of those traps that spin us up.
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good review of the chapter. I agree that it is hard to not beome defensive when your beliefs and opinions are doubted by someone else. I also agree there is nothing better in the world to counter this then to learn. To be able to argue a topic I think it's best to have knowledge of both sides of the argument. I couldn't agree more with you
ReplyDeleteI agree that this was a good review of the chapter! I also agree that its hard not to get defensive when it comes to defending your beliefs...just ask me about my opinion on the death penalty. However, I do agree that it is very important to learn more about both sides of the argument rather than just one side. It will make for a more enlightening conversation and you will be able to understand both stances, even though you might not agree with both. Overall, I enjoyed this chapter as well as your entry!
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