2: Motivated Reasoning

On today's show Chong and Dan use the COVID-19 situation as a springboard to talk about a very important concept in philosophy and psychology: motivated reasoning. What is it, when does it become a problem, what does the Bible say about it, and how can we combat it in our own lives? (Note: this episode was recorded before the protests that have occurred in the aftermath of George Floyd's killing in the United States. We refer to earlier protests against the coronavirus shelter-in-place orders.)

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Show notes

Definition of motivated reasoning (1:34)

Examples from our personal lives (7:41)

Example from the church (13:24)

Why is motivated reasoning bad? (20:40)

• Living by lies or not living in truth
• Justifies sinful behaviour

What does the Bible say? (30:26)

• Our thinking became futile and our hearts became darkened (Romans 1:21)
• The heart is deceitful above all things (Jeremiah 17:9)
• To suit our own desires and satisfy our itching ears (2 Timothy 4:3)

How can we combat motivated reasoning? (34:30)

• Awareness, humility, advice, empathy, pursuing truth (even when it’s uncomfortable)

Chapters

• 1:34 Definition of motivated reasoning
• 7:41 Examples from our personal lives
• 13:24 Example from the church
• 20:40 Why is motivated reasoning bad?
• 30:26 What does the Bible say?
• 34:30 How can we combat motivated reasoning?