Toward a Neurobiology of Rationality

Abstract

Understanding human rationality necessitates a deep exploration of its neurobiological underpinnings. This article proposes that rationality is inherently linked to bodily processes, supported by evidence from neuroscience and philosophical perspectives. The exploration centers on how emotions and bodily states influence cognitive processes and decision-making by integrating insights from thinkers like Nietzsche and contemporary neuroscientists such as Antonio Damasio. As outlined by Damasio, the concept of somatic markers reveals that feelings and homeostasis play a critical role in shaping rational thought. This dynamic relationship between body, emotion, and mind challenges traditional views of rationality as a purely logical function, suggesting instead that it emerges from a complex interplay of biological and psychological factors.