In Good Faith

2: Motivated Reasoning

June 04, 2020 Chong Shao, Daniel Shih
In Good Faith
2: Motivated Reasoning
Show Notes Chapter Markers

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)
Definition of motivated reasoning
Examples from our personal lives
Example from the church
Why is motivated reasoning bad?
What does the Bible say?
How can we combat motivated reasoning?