Episode 32: Ending the War between Logic and Emotion

A very common issue many of us struggle with is the apparent conflict between our logical minds and our feelings. There are times when the tension between what we think is logical or right and what we feel is like a perpetual tug-of-war. In this episode, we discuss the classic struggle between head and heart.

We begin by discussing the dimensions of the conflict. We explore how we might know that a particular course of action is the right thing to do, but we struggle with desires or feelings that oppose that course of action. The result is an internal conflict that often leaves us doubting and second-guessing ourselves no matter which path we choose. We examine how this internal struggle can lead to conflict in our relationships. When emotion overrules logic, we might say or do things that can lead to hurting others and feeling guilty. When logic overrules our emotions, we sometimes run the risk of building up resentments toward other people.

In order to make peace within ourselves, many instinctively choose to side either with logic or emotion. Unforntunetly, neither of these strategies lead to internal peace or interpersonal harmony in the long run. There are negative consequences to choosing sides and using a winner-take-all approach.

The answer to ending the war between logic and emotion is to replace this broken either-or model with a more accurate and useful model. We must understand the proper role and function of systematic thinking, and we must contrast this with an understanding of the proper role and function of emotions. This understanding helps us see how the two faculties are designed to provide us with different tools for grasping and navigating reality.

With a proper understanding of each, we can learn to use our executive functioning to integrate our logical mind with our emotions. By learning and practicing the skill using our executive function, we become better at listening to our feelings and integrating that information into our decision-making process. 

A deeper understanding that appreciates the differences between systematic thinking and feelings can empower us to make better use of each faculty, leading to an improved ability to make decisions and bringing a lasting peace between our mind and our heart.