Do emotions in a sense dictate more in the political arena versus logical thinking?

Question

I tend to think that emotions run the decisions.We are emotionally guided creatures.Correct?

Answer 1

heh, funny "yes for the left" answers.

You people think that gorging on luxury while everyone around you starves is rational? If you ask me, the obesity epidemic in the US is a demonstration of guilt involved in making your country rich by pillaging poor nations.

Sorry, but rationality is not an outstanding virtue of mankind. Our empathy and necessity to belong are generally much more powerful. Then again, so is hunger.

Americans allow their government to plunder the poor because of xenophobia. That is not rational. Eventually, the people the US attacks will attack back. It is only natural.

The US is exposing itself to the hatred of millions. That is not rational.

A rational individual would seek to collaborate with his neighbors in order for everyone to live in peace and prosperity. Those who wish ill upon other only gain much more ill upon themselves.

Human beings depend on collaboration. War is always self destructive. The US is definitely sadomasochistic. (and no, not very rational)

Answer 2

I think there is a balanced decision process that involves emotions and logical thinking. However, in order to think logically, one must be aware of all of the facts involved, be educated and reasonable. As that function is removed from the equation and the scale is balanced towards overwhelmingly emotional based decisions, the ability for any sort of continuity in thought process is thwarted and the individual decision is based on feelings of here and now as oppposed to any long range, best practice solution.
I find it interesting that those who mostly believe in the evolutionary process, and that we are the pinnacle thereof, are the ones most likely these days to be overwhelmingly emotional and self-destructive in their decision making process. Perhaps we evolved into a devolutionary era.

Answer 3

There are many things that guide political thinking.

Scripture (the Word of God) is primary to my decision making in politics. When a issue is not something that conflicts with Scripture then I use logic and emotion to determine where I stand.

Religion, logic, emotion, need, upbringing....all factors in politics.

Answer 4

Yes. That is why conservatives go along with wanting all social programs done away with, never thinking they might someday need it. Or a family member. And I really don't think all of them have contempt for hungry kids or old people without medicine. They are just hung up on the hot button issues like abortion. And liberals surely the hell cannot be that excited about whether gays get married or not. Or stem cell research. Other than the gays, which make up a very small percentage of Americans, who really cares?

Answer 5

Yes, and the politicians play on emotion with the 'wedge' and 'hot button' issues. Abortion, gay marriage, global warming. immigration and the 'fairness' doctrine come immediately to mind. If it weren't for emotions, political pundits that rally their loyal following with 'hate the other guy' rhetoric wouldn't have a job. I notice most answers so far have acknowledged emotions as a factor, but only for 'the other guys'. How interesting is that?!?

Answer 6

No, "we" are not emotionally guided creatures. About half of the population base their decisions on feelings and about half base their decisions on thinking. President George W. Bush obviously bases HIS decisions on feelings. (He would never admit it though. Conservatives need to conform to traditional standards of masculinity/femininity. Bush puts on a macho act to hide his emotional nature.)

And, in discussing the threat posed by Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, Bush said: "After all, this is the guy who tried to kill my dad."
http://archives.cnn.com/2002/ALLPOLITICS/09/27/bush.war.talk/

I made up my mind that Hussein needs to go. The policy of my government is that he goes.-- G. W. Bush
http://www.buzzflash.com/contributors/03/02/06_Whocares.html

Answer 7

If logic were to dictate who we voted for, there would be no Democrat party, If emotions dictate who we vote for there would be no republicans. So is feeling good more important than keeping the money you EARNED?

Answer 8

"Ninety percent of the decisions we make are based on emotion. We then use logic to justify our actions. If you appeal to someone on a strictly logical basis, you will have little chance of persuading him."

--David J. Lieberman, PhD.
[from "Get Anyone to do Anything", p. 62]

Answer 9

Ethos, logos and pathos. The art of Rhetoric.

It's based on all 3.

Answer 10

More so with liberals they use the appeal to pity a lot, like everyone needs medical treatement, why not with that logic get everyone a house and a car.