Then & Now: Philosophy, History & Politics cover image

Then & Now: Philosophy, History & Politics

Descartes' Error: Antonio Damasio's Somatic Marker Hypothesis

Dec 24, 2020
15:25

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Emotions play a crucial role in decision-making by providing somatic markers that guide choices.
  • Somatic markers serve as automated alarm signals alerting individuals to potential risks and dangers in decision-making.

Deep dives

Interconnection of Emotions and Rationality

The neuroscientist Antonio DiMazio challenges Descartes' dualistic view of the mind, arguing that emotions are integral to rational thinking. DiMazio's somatic marker hypothesis suggests that bodily feelings play a crucial role in guiding decision-making, alongside logical reasoning. Emotions, according to DiMazio, help direct individuals toward suitable decisions in the face of incomplete information, emphasizing the intertwined nature of bodily sensations and cognitive processes.

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