Logic and Emotions

More often than not, I find that people tend to separate logic from emotions. Those people might say things like:

“The heart is a strange beast and not ruled by logic.”
- Maria V. Snyder

I've seen many quotes like this that seem to imply there is some sort of disconnect. I strongly disagree with this sentiment and hopefully the following explanation is convincing. I suppose, this opening to the post, in itself, will support its content but, we shall see. 

The idea that logic fuels emotions seems to be obvious - I would speculate that most people are already aware of this; or maybe they are but, the idea is completely wrong - if this is the case, I do hope someone corrects me. What seems more likely, is that many people know this but do not truly understand it. I may have to do a future post on knowledge vs. understanding but, I digress. Let's explore this seemingly rudimentary idea, beginning with a quote.

“The degree of one's emotions varies inversely with one's knowledge of the facts.”
- Bertrand Russell

That pretty much sums it all up but, let's continue on. This concept can be used to derive most (possibly all) behaviors humans exhibit but, in order to properly explain it, it's important to know what logic and emotion are, thus, initially defining the main terms only seems natural.

• Positive - That which causes progression, inclusion or gain
• Negative - That which causes regression, exclusion or loss
• Feelings - Positive or negative stimulations
• Wants/Desires - Longing for objects or ideas, that create feelings in the subject
• Emotions - Positive or negative mental reactions to acquisition or deprivation of Wants/Desires
• Emotions can cause feelings but, they are not the feelings themselves
• Logic - Interrelation or sequence of facts or events when seen as inevitable or predictable

With these terms defined, let's go through the process that seems to connect logic to emotions and our actions in general.

From the moment a person is born, they begin to experience all sorts of things, this continues until the person dies. Experiences lead to feelings, whether positive or negative is entirely dependent on the individual. Some of these feelings may cause an increase in production in dopamine, the brains "pleasure chemical", some may cause a disconnect or a loss of stimulation in regions of the brain that need/should be stimulated, and others may cause different positive or negative effects. Regardless of what feeling an experience gives us, it will cause us to begin to want it more or try to avoid it altogether. However, not all wants or desires are self induced - some may be given to us and some may be necessary for survival. As a want becomes established, we begin to formulate strategies in which we may obtain it. Whether or not our strategies follow sound logic is imperative to our subsequent emotion, that is, the acquisition of this desire. Faulty or poor logic may lead to failure to achieve or acquire our present desire. These failures, or successes, determine our emotional state and, with humans possessing so many wants and desires, it's no wonder our emotions sometimes seem to be so chaotic.

Continuing to expand on this proposition, I suspect that when we arrive at a negative emotion, it is because we are acting on flawed logical premises or conceptions. The opposite would apply when obtaining a positive emotion. It follows that, those who are often angry or sad, negative emotions, are often formulating strategies with either a fallacious premise or an inconceivable plan. Again, the opposite would apply to those who are often joyful or happy. These failures may in fact be caused by a lack of knowledge, intelligence, or ability but, an individuals most frequent emotional state (with the exception of mental/psychological disorders) is certainly the fault of the individual.

This does not mean negative emotions can be avoided altogether since the universe, at the moment, is rather unpredictable. What this does mean is that people have a great deal of control over their state of being. A healthy amount of introspection, might be necessary in order to conceptualize a path to achieve the desired outcome.

I could probably continue on with examples and ideas that are supported by this concept but, I think any more expansion would warrant another post. Consider that with this idea as a base, you can in fact explain a lot of behaviors you might observe, or exhibit yourself. Once the knowledge is there, an opportunity for refinement and advancement becomes available, leaving the individual to take the necessary actions. On that note I'll take my leave, any questions, comments and/or suggestions are appreciated.