What is Emotional Reasoning | Explained in 2 min 

In my opinion: logical reasoning inevitably should override Negative emotions only exist to alert us that something is wrong or needs to be fixed. They bring issues to the attention of the conscious, decision making, and judgment part of the mind (the analytical). These reactions are given to us by our body, although we can influence our emotions indirectly. Emotions do not necessarily go away on their own, they can be knee jerk reactions, or they can be based on falsehoods or biases. (Very common with disgust) When we get negative emotions, a signal that something needs to be changed, the only way we can respond is by saying “My body/unconscious is saying something is wrong. What is the situation and how can I fix it?” Often fear etc. conveniently comes with a thought or trigger (ex: Feeling scared to speak in front of people for your class presentation). This makes it much easier to evaluate whether the emotion is based on real danger or just perceived danger (compared to emotions where we must dig deeper to find what is causing them). You can evaluate why or why not this perception that accompanies your emotion is true, and then make an action based on your reflection. If the situation is rationally okay, and we work through this, then the negative emotion no longer serves a function. There is no further action we can take, and keeping the emotion would only prevent us from moving forward (no use beating a dead horse). There are many circumstances in which emotions are based on a false reality because we are human. The only choice we really have is to step back and figure out the best course of action. It does not mean we should not listen to our emotions and dismiss them completely. There is of course danger to being overly optimistic. If a stranger gives you a bad feeling, saying “There’s no evidence he’s a bad guy!” And moving on is not helpful because, well, this is a stranger and there is equally no evidence you can trust them (this can be naive). It is worth getting to know people, or whatever situation, and gather information to make our own judgments. But you cannot assume that your immediate thoughts or feelings are correct. (Just give both sides a thought, do some risk assessment, etc.) (If you are having emotions and you don’t know what is causing them: either through self help or therapy, more than likely you’ll find a perspective causing it or it’s a chemical/neurological issue.) (Where rationally, the emotions DO make sense for the situation, the emotions can be a call to action, fuel that propels us to move forward in various ways- but they can also be paralyzing if left unaddressed)