Damasio's Somatic Marker Hypothesis

Damasio's Somatic Marker Hypothesis suggests that our emotions and bodily feelings (such as a gut feeling or physical reaction) help guide our decision-making. When faced with choices, our brain references past emotional experiences linked to similar situations, creating physical signals—called somatic markers. These markers act as emotional shortcuts, helping us quickly evaluate options and make more informed decisions. Essentially, our body and emotions play a crucial role in guiding rational thinking, making decision-making more efficient and adaptive.