Psychoengineering: Difference between revisions

Humans have two primary systems of acquiring knowledge: [[w:Intuition|intuition]], a fast and unconscious reflex; and [[w:Logical reasoning|logic]], a slow and deliberate process.<ref>{{harvnb|Kahneman|2011|pp=20-23}}</ref> Each of these dual cognitive methods is designed to interface with a specific type of information,<ref>{{harvnb|Darlow|Sloman|2010|pp=1-3}}</ref> and are thus connected to different parts of the brain. The neural circuitry of intuition (the amygdala, basal ganglia and lateral temporal cortex)<ref>{{harvnb|Lieberman|2003|p=7}}</ref> is linked to circuitry related to working memory, motor control, attention, perception, and empathy.<ref>{{harvnb|Ramezanpour|Fallah|2022}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Roozendaal|et al.|2009}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Schacter|et al.|2020}}</ref> Meanwhile, the neural circuitry of reason (anterior cingulate cortex, prefrontal cortex, and the medial temporal lobe including the hippocampus)<ref>{{harvnb|Lieberman|2003|p=10}}</ref> is linked to circuitry related to long-term memory recall, executive function, and complex decision-making.<ref>{{harvnb|Aharoni|et al.|2013}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Friedman|Robbins|2021}}</ref>

These systems are implicated in different behaviors, but like everything in the brain they are deeply connected and regularly interface with each other. For example, one could notice a dessert table and be drawn to it by their intuitive, perceptual mind - but ultimately be drawn away from it by their logical mind.<ref>{{harvnb|Darlow|Sloman|2010|p=1}}</ref>{{efn|Psychoengineering uses "intuitive/logical mind" for these systems, but they have many different names in contemporary psychology. Stanovich uses "systems 1/2", so as to not give a preference to either system. Evans has used "old/new mind", in reference to the phylogenetic age of each system.<ref>{{harvnb|Evans|Stanovich|2013|p=1}}</ref> Darlow and Sloman use "intuitive/deliberate system" to emphasize the level of conscious control present in each.<ref>{{harvnb|Darlow|Sloman|2010|p=2}}</ref>}}

This [[dialectic of mind|dialectic]] was first hypothesized by [[dialectic of mind#history|ancient philosophers]], who developed practices to synthesize the two minds. These practices, refined by neuropsychology, form the basis of the techniques used in [[w:dialectical behavioral therapy|dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)]].<ref>{{harvnb|Linehan|Dimeff|2001|p=1}}</ref> The goal is to achieve the [[synthetic mind]]:

! [[w:emotional intelligence|Emotional intelligence]]

* [[w:emotional validation|Validating]] others and self

! [[w:acceptance|Acceptance]]

* Understanding that [[pain]] is inevitable but [[suffering]] is optional<ref>{{harvnb|Alschuler|Krabak|Kratz|Jensen|Pomeranz|Burns|Bautz|Nordeen|Irwin|Lipman|2020}}</ref>

'''[[Neurochemistry]]''': Chemistry of individual neurons, determined genetically, which can significantly alter [[hedonic baseline]]. [[w:monoaminergic|Monoaminergic]], [[w:gabaergic|GABAergic]], and [[w:glutamatergic|glutamatergic]] systems are strongly implicated in depression<ref>{{harvnb|Kaltenboeck|Harmer|2018|p=1}}</ref> and anxiety.<ref>{{harvnb|Martin|Ressler|Binder|Nemeroff|2009|pp=1-3}}</ref> Treatment: [[w:psychopharmaceutical|psychopharmeceuticals]].

'''[[Somatic state]]''': Conditions like sleep deprivation<ref>{{harvnb|Harrison|Horne|2000}}</ref> and body temperature<ref>{{harvnb|Doohan|Watzek|King|White|Stewart|2023}}</ref> can negatively affect logical decision making. Masicampo and Baumeister observed that drinking lemonade with sugar as opposed to an artificial sweetener after an energy-depleting self-control task increased rule-based decision making.<ref>{{harvnb|Masicampo|Baumeister|2008}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Gailliot|Baumeister|DeWall|Maner|Plant|Tice|Brewer|Schmeichel|2007}}</ref> Exercise has also been shown to improve problem-solving.<ref>{{harvnb|Hillman|Erickson|Kramer|2000}}</ref> Treatment: [[somatic management]].

'''[[Emotional state]]''': Distress has a significant effect on logical reasoning - arachnophobes perform significantly worse than non-arachnophobes on logical tests that relate to spiders, for example.<ref>{{harvnb|Jung|Wranke|Hamburger|Knauff|2014}}</ref> Loneliness<ref>{{harvnb|Şimşek|Koçak|Younis|2021}}</ref> and anger<ref>{{harvnb|Zajenkowski|Zajenkowska|2015}}</ref> also negatively correlate to logical ability. Treatment: [[acceptance therapy]].

'''[[Perspective]]''': Perspective shifts such as [[w:distancing (psychology)|self-distancing]] and the [[w:growth mindset|growth mindset]] have a neurological basis in provoking self-reflection and heightening intrinsic motivation, respectively.<ref>{{harvnb|White|Kross|Duckworth|2015}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Ng|2018}}</ref> Treatment: [[cognitive defusion]].