Why do we feel the need to explain our own thoughts to ourselves?
I think a large part of this is just a consequence of consciousness. The right hemisphere of our brains uses intuition to detect patterns, but it's the job of the left hemisphere to analyze those patterns to see if they hold up to rationale. I like to think that the right hemisphere of the brain …
The Short Answer
I think a large part of this is just a consequence of consciousness. The right hemisphere of our brains uses intuition to detect patterns, but it's the job of the left hemisphere to analyze those patterns to see if they hold up to rationale. I like to think that the right hemisphere of the brain is sort of like a subconscious source of "raw" thoughts that are then refined by the analytical, conscious left hemisphere. Source: I'm a big fan of psychology, and this question reminded me of some of the later chapters in Carl Sagan's Dragons of Eden. That was written in 1976, though, and I'm not positive how much of this answer would hold up to a more modern understanding of neuropsychology.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Hemisphere, think, right
This explanation focuses on hemisphere, think, right and spans 123 words across 5 sentences. At 81% above the average Psychology explanation (68 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “I think a large part of this is just a consequence of consciousness.” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 5 connected points.
How This Compares in Psychology
Ranked #57 of 500 Psychology questions by answer depth (top 12%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why we feel the need to explain our own thoughts to ourselves?
I think a large part of this is just a consequence of consciousness. The right hemisphere of our brains uses intuition to detect patterns, but it's the job of the left hemisphere to analyze those patterns to see if they hold up to rationale. I like…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Psychology questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 123 words, ranked #57 of 500 Psychology questions by depth. The key concepts covered are hemisphere, think, right.
What approach does this answer take to explain we feel the need to explain our own thoughts to ourselves?
The explanation uses contrasting perspectives across 123 words. It is categorized under Psychology and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.