Thinking, Deciding, Acting: Gaps and Relations

Abstract

In the first part of this essay the author points to possible gaps and relations between cognitive (thinking, reasoning, decision making) and behavioural (acting) processes. Mainstream cognitive sciences assume that thinking might result in decision making which might result in acting: i.e. cognitive processes are related to behavioural processes. Perceptual distortion, inaccurate judgment, illogical interpretation, or what is broadly called irrationality might lead to destructive behaviours on personal or societal levels. It is noted that some researchers focus on mediating/moderating factors and correlations between thinking, decision making and acting, while others focus on gaps. In the second part the author reviews the articles presented in this issue and questions as they have been discussed by others: heuristics as a method that uses principles of effort-reduction and simplification, hermeneutics of values based on Max Weber concepts, Bakhtin’s ideas on philosophy of the act and diachronic, dialogistic linguistic activities, phenomenology of solidarity implying that the acts determine experience of the world in modi ‘we’, Heidegger’s thinking, assuming the vital link between practical and ontological aspects of Heideggerian phenomenology, the evidence on theory and practice of new media and the development of concepts of creativity.