Does emotion play a part in decision-making?

Do we always have to be 100% rational?

Emoticons of emotions on top of a smartphone

We often associate decision-making with rationality. Deciding implies a certain neutrality in our minds, to ensure that our choices are correct. But for some thinkers, such as Bordeaux University economics professor Emmanuel Petit, it doesn't work that way. On the contrary, emotions are a much more important driving force when it comes to making choices.

The Latin root of emotion, "exmovere", implies movement. It allows for practical spontaneity at times when we need to react quickly. It offers us a way out of indecision by pushing us towards a choice. It can even serve as a tool for exchange, negotiation or threat, as when Vladimir Putin uses his large Labrador retriever on former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, traumatized by a childhood incident with a dog.

Last but not least, it's also important when it comes to ethical issues. While certain dilemmas activate the utilitarian part of our brain, more emotional elements can lead to a decisive shift in decision-making. Emotion is therefore not to be feared, but rather understood and considered in some of the choices we make.

Running time: 13min49

Image: Habitat_de_lill from Pixabay

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