Reasoning, cognitive control, and moral intuition.

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Moral Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Social Intuitionist theory posits moral judgments are primarily intuitive, with justifications being post hoc rationalizations.
• This challenges rationalistic accounts but overlooks the significant role of reasoning in shaping judgments.
• Understanding the interplay between affect and cognition is crucial for managing judgment and action.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the substantial influence of reasoning on moral and general intuitive judgments.
• To investigate how cognitive control strategies can mitigate negative affective influences on judgment.
• To examine the role of deliberate, slow cognitive processes in forming long-term dispositions that guide intuitive judgments.

Main Methods:

• Review of established reactive cognitive control strategies (e.g., suppression, reappraisal).
• Exploration of complex conflicts involving extended deliberation and multiple interacting factors.
• Discussion of proactive strategies like temptation avoidance and mindfulness meditation.

Main Results:

• Reasoning processes, distinct from post hoc rationalizations, profoundly impact intuitive judgments.
• Slow cognitive processes (deliberation, planning, executive control) are critical for developing long-term intuitions and habits.
• These developed dispositions subsequently guide numerous fast, intuitive judgments in real-world situations.

Conclusions:

• Conscious reasoning plays a vital, often underestimated, role in shaping moral and intuitive judgments.
• Cognitive control strategies are essential for managing affect and enhancing judgment.
• Future research should expand the study of cognitive control, integrating insights from developmental psychology and educational theory.