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Motivated reasoning: why talk about it?

Motivated reasoning

Humans have a tendency to use an explanation to find the reality, but how can we tell when we’ve done so or whether subconscious opinions or other preconceived notions have influenced our judgement? It can be difficult to acknowledge that everyone has unconscious biases, but if we want to reach an objective, accurate closing, we must recognize them and figure out how to overcome them.

Motivational reasoning is our natural propensity to haphazardly argue for our viewpoints and choices by carefully focusing on facts that supports them. Although we like to claim that we centered the choices we make on logical reasoning and proof, the reality is that we frequently start with our gut instinct and then look for confirmation that backs up what we actually hold onto.

People typically assume that all reasoned thought is belief-driven when they talk about motivated reasoning, however the term could just as easily relate to a pristine, objective drive to apply reason with the least amount of emotional bias. Motivated reasoning is the process by which we use reasons to support an impulse or planned result in retrospect.

How does motivated reasoning come about?

Determined, unfulfilled goals are frequently the root cause of motivated reasoning because they can generate a latent mental demand to express the reasons behind something while concealing them to make them seem more rationally appealing.

The majority of study participants would be proud to be perceived as rationally driven and however, researchers in cognitive science frequently discover proof that people start out with preconceived biases and intentions. Alertness and the need for framework, unfulfilled behavioral, psychological, or other pressing demands, prior conditioning—which shapes behavior via repetitive experiences—and other theories have all been proposed by cognitive researchers as reasons for motivated reasoning bias in favor of ranks one has already attained and the activation of neural circuits by persistent stimulation of emotions

Motivational reasoning: how does it work?

It’s crucial to remember that the “drive” underlying motivated thinking can also be incentive for truth. For instance, an impartial source may acknowledge their ignorance even if they have the power and benefits that result from acting otherwise.

However, the term “motivated reasoning” typically implies that someone has a hidden agenda, whether conscious or unconscious, to support an existing opinion and Within the framework of belief-motivated logic, confirmation bias as the propensity to manipulate facts in order to support beliefs as plays a significant role in concealing people’s true drives, including from themselves, as investigators may begin to believe they are more adept at distinguishing fact from fiction than they actually are.

They will likely become extremely sensitive to other people’s “cognitive biases” or “insensitive views” if they do this, which frequently causes a gap between their own opinions and a more open or realistic perspective on affairs. .

This way of thinking makes it simple to call their own ideas “distorted” or even “inappropriate,” which is a dubious way of thinking that probably has hidden agendas of its own, including rejecting their own mental aberrations. .

Here are some tips for breaking free of motivated reasoning:

Think about your biases in terms of where your beliefs and emotions could be clouding your judgement, and question whether you’re evaluating all evidence or simply seeking affirmation for what you already believe. .

To avoid narrow viewpoints and make more well-rounded conclusions, actively seek out competing points of view and purposefully interact with thoughts that contradict your own. .

Final Thought

Motivated reasoning is strong because it frequently works subconsciously. By actively seeking out different viewpoints and remaining receptive to new information, you can make better decisions and, eventually, succeed. The secret is being aware of oneself and the courage to challenge your own judgement. .

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