Descartes' Error

"Descartes' Error," a concept introduced by neuroscientist Antonio Damasio, challenges the long-held idea that reason and emotion are separate. Descartes believed the mind and body operated independently, with reason ruling over emotions. Damasio's research shows that emotions are essential to rational decision-making; without them, reasoning becomes impaired. When the brain areas linked to emotion are damaged, people may struggle to make choices, even if they have logical knowledge. In essence, emotions are integral to applying reason effectively, and dismissing them can hinder true understanding and decision-making.