Rationalization of emotion is also rational
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 24, 2025

Psychophysiological Assessment of the Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Strategies in Childhood
Published on: February 11, 2017
1Department of Philosophy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109-1003. prailton@umich.eduhttps://lsa.umich.edu/philosophy/people/faculty/prailton.html.
Abstract:
Cushman seeks to explain rationalization in terms of fundamental mental processes, and he hypotheses a selected-for function: information exchange between "rational" and "non-rational" processes in the brain. While this is plausible, his account overlooks the importance - and information value - of rationalizing the emotions of ourselves and others. Incorporating such rationalization would help explain the effectiveness of rationalization and its connection with valuation, as well as raise a challenge to his way of bifurcating "rational" and "non-rational" processes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Cognitive Theories: Schachter-Singer Theory of Emotion
Physiological Arousal and Cognitive Labeling
According to this theory, when an individual experiences...
The Influence of Cognition on Affect
Cognitive Theories: Lazarus Mediational Theory of Emotion
Cognitive Appraisal and Emotional Response
Lazarus proposed that...
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
Physiology of Emotion
Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a critical role in emotional responses by regulating involuntary physiological functions. It consists of two main components: the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The sympathetic system...
Labeling Emotion

