On the emotional bases of thinking. Fractal affect-logic and communication

Journal/Book: Syst Fam. 1997; 10: 175 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10010. Springer Verlag. 128-134.

Abstract: According to the presented concept of fractal affect-logic presented (Ciompi 1982, 1997c), emotion and cognition (or feeling and thinking, affectivity and logic) inseparably interact in all mental activities. Affects are understood as a supraordinated notion in the sense of global psychosomatic states. Conscious or unconscious affective components continually exert complexity-reducing organizing and integrating ''operator effects'' on attention and memory, and hence on thinking and logic in a wider sense. These operator effects are also effective in all types of communication. Underlying affective states are often more important than the cognitive content. Affects are highly contagious both verbally and non-verbally. Without common affective tuning, no successful communication or collaboration is possible, Emotional effects on thinking are self-similar (''fractal'') on the individual and collective level. Numerous practical implications of the concept for everyday life (including pedagogics, psychiatry and psychotherapy) are outlined.

Note: Article Ciompi L, Cita 6, CH-1092 Belmont Lausanne, SWITZERLAND

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