The link between emotions and critical thinking

By Alexandra Elena Dumitru

Critical thinking represents an individual’s ability to think rationally and analytically. It involves active questioning, analyzing, and forming judgments based on evidence and reasoning. Critical thinkers are creative and curious, and they weigh the pros and cons of every situation. Critical thinking helps people navigate the world with greater clarity.

Fun fact: Critical thinking has its roots in the philosophy of Socrates, who is considered a foundational figure in its development.His method, called “Socratic Questioning”, involves asking a series of questions that encourage self-reflection and critical thinking.

Emotions are mental states that we experience in various situations throughout our lives.

They can be considered "messages" sent by our brain that help us realize  the importance of an event. Emotions are classified into two categories: positive and negative. Both contribute to our well-being and relationships with those around us. They have a considerable impact on a person, acting both internally (for example, changes in heart rate) and externally (for example, facial expressions).

Critical thinking and emotions are linked, impacting and influencing one another in different ways. We often think critically about our personal experiences because of strong emotions, which shows that thoughts and emotions profoundly affect one another.

A positive mood can increase cognitive flexibility and motivation, while a negative mood may sharpen critical thinking by promoting careful, systematic processing.

Understanding your feelings can boost critical thinking. This involves learning to identify the source of your emotions and their potential impact on your thinking.

Fun fact: Anxiety tends to improve critical thinking performance more consistently than positive emotions.

In conclusion, understanding your emotions is essential for strengthening critical thinking skills. When you recognize where your feelings come from, it becomes easier to manage them.

References

1. https://www.humintell.com/2021/01/emotions-and-critical-thinking-update-2021/

2. https://www.talkthirdspace.com/blog/how-do-emotions-positively-and-negatively-influence-critical-thinking

3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871187123000172

4. https://integratedmancave.com/emotions-influence-critical-thinking/

5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871187123000172