Thinking vs. Feeling: Understanding Cognitive and Emotional Processes

We all think and feel. However, there’s a fine line between these two. We think when we want to solve a problem. And we feel when we are having an emotion such as anger, sadness, or joy.

Feeling and thinking are two vital things we need in our everyday life. It helps us to solve our problems and aid us in decision-making. It’s the “I think” VS “I feel” tool.

Thinking or feeling is both how we decide: through logic or people.

Thinking VS Feeling

Thinking is based on logic. You make your decisions based on facts. And focus on seeking the truth. And the use of clear rules.

If you are a thinker, you are mostly task-oriented. You have a clear value. And you are serious and business-like with people. You are seen as cold and heartless by Feelers.

The feeling is based on what you are feeling. If you are a feeler, you make your decisions based on a social event. You listen to other people’s opinions and consider their feelings.

Feelers are people-oriented. And make many choices based on values. You may be seen as emotional and weak by Thinkers.

Thinking VS Feeling examples;

Thinking;

- Use facts and logic in a decision-making situation

- Notices tasks and work to be done

- Can provide an aim and critical review

- They accept fight as a natural part of contacts with people

Feeling;

- Use personal feelings and impact on people in decision-making

- Are sensitive to people needs and reactions

- They seek consent and other’s opinions

- Do not accept fights, as they get unsettled by them.

Difference between thinking and feeling

There is a clear difference between feelings VS thoughts. Feelings represent the problems. And the needs and calls upon the mind to work.

Feelings make you aware that something unusual is happening. When you are feeling something, you are thinking about it.

When feeling orders upon the mind to work, they let your mind think.

- In most cases, feelings come first. And thoughts are ways to deal with them. It helps you find the solutions.

- The thinking then works on the material you have known from what you have felt.

- Thinking is more detailed, while the feeling is subtle.

- Thoughts are inner events that you went through. All thoughts are different from feelings.

Thinking (T) VS Feeling (F) Personalities

Thinking VS feeling MBTI suggests all the facts and definitions of a thinker and a feeler.

Carl Jung rated thinking and feeling as forms of judging. They both are in-charge of valuing data, making decisions, and getting solutions.

The MBTI thinker and feeler difference is that of their evaluative test.

As stated, thinkers decide using logic. But, feelers consider other people’s feelings in making decisions.

Thinkers and feelers also differ in interests and work. They are directly related to their chosen judging norm.

For thinkers, they tend to be drawn in activities that require logic. But, feelers attract to their tastes, feelings, and people-related concerns.

The MBTI calls T and F as choices. That thinkers do use feelings often, and feelers use logic. Instead, they differ in the degree to which they lead logic VS feeling.

Type T Personality

MBTI thinking decisions are logic-based. If you are a thinker, you excel and have an interest in logical and planned thinking, such as; science, business, math, or computer science.

Although, people involved with F-related work also tend to work their way to T-related work. Such as research and operation management.

Myers Briggs thinker is named to have a “calculating” use. Even if hidden, it is always thinking odds and planning things.

Such mentality benefits logical thinking. And how to reduce costs or improve ability and output.

MBTI thinkers also have systemic thinking. Notably, that of intuitive (N) thinkers (T). INTJs, are usually known as “systems thinkers.”

If you are an INTJ, you see the world as a giant system. That can be analyzed and defined.

Often, you seem as cold and emotionally distant. Although it is not good for your relationship, emotional aloofness can be useful for logical thinking.

Mostly, your work is the focal point in your life. You have more time and energy to devote to your work.

Type F Personality

MBTI Feeling weighs and tests out useful responses to the world. Feelers are aware of their emotions, and they are used to them.

Feeler personality types have a greater breadth of emotional types. They feel that words are not enough to convey their struggles.

If you are a feeler, you usually turn to art, music, poetry, or fashion to explore or express your emotions.

Your taste also draws you to the arts, which you can find expressive.

Feeling involves a more colorful and calm approach to life. Unlike thinking that focuses on data, the feeling goes to improve your life.

It enhances and adorns the color, feeling, and style.

You also have a desire to work as a caregiver. You are often caring for children, plants, animals, and family members.

You are social, that keeps people healthy, united to each other’s needs and feelings.

Emotional thinking VS Logical thinking

Emotional thinkers and logical thinkers are both different. But, emotion is indirectly related to feeling.

Emotional thinkers mostly make their decision based on what they are feeling, unlike logical thinkers, who make their decisions on facts and logic.

- Emotion requires much less effort than logic. Logic calls for mental work. But, emotion is automatic.

- Arguments based on emotions are easy to recall than arguments on logic.

- Emotion quickly changes than logic does.

Now, you might meet this personality once in a while. The Myers-Briggs 16 personalities are all shaped by the feelers (F) or thinkers (T). they are all distinct in stating them.

For instance, ESTJs are the personality type that thinks they are always right.

There are many exciting facts about the Myers Brigs 16 personalities. One of which is the features of them all.

Logical thinker characteristics in a workplace

Logical people have an analytical personality that is useful for the workplace. These traits include;

- Interested in a wide range of problems

- Use critical thinking at any given moment.

- Self-confident.

- Open-minded about world views.

- Flexible in considering opinions.

- Knows the needs of others.

- Honest and apply reason in everything they do.

- Treat fairly regarding an issue.

- Caution in making or changing judgments.

Emotional thinker characteristics in a workplace

Emotional thinkers are the opposite of analytical personalities. Although, they also serve benefits for the workplace. These traits include;

- They show insight and empathy.

- Have social skills and have a political view.

- Have a good leadership command. They inspire and guide people.

- Team player; create group teamwork to achieve goals.

- Self-aware; they know their emotions and their effect on people.

- self-motivators; guide themselves and others to do good.

- Flexible about the change.

- Innovators; are comfortable with new ideas and information.

- Positive; they are eager to pursue their goals.

These are all characteristics that emotional thinkers and logical thinkers have in the workplace. And these are shown in their relationships.

Rational VS. Emotional relationship

In a relationship, you might wonder, am I logical or emotional. Though, both of them have multiple pros and cons.

A relationship, romantic or not, is emotional by nature. And many decisions are made by the heart rather than the head.

It is shown that couples who make wise and rational decisions are happier than those who are emotional.

Emotion-based relationships are chaotic and not consistent in areas such as finance and parenting.

That is because decision-making is not on logical thinking.

Once you know where you stand in your relationship, you could improve your emotional thinking. And start leaning towards a more rational relationship.

Character traits VS Feelings

Source: Smekens Education solutions

Character traits and feelings are vital to know. To teach students, you need to define the differences between feelings and traits.

Feelings are something temporary; they come and go. And they are based on your habitat. One minute you are happy, but if something bad happens, you are sad.

While traits are fixed and true and are constant, for instance, if you are loyal, you will be loyal to your friends and family.

You would be loyal all the time. “loyal” is your trait. It is constant.

In conclusion, thinking and feelings are the core emotions you feel. It is vital for the decision-making process. You feel first, then you think about the possible solutions. Your thinking ability is what makes you different from others. You could either be a logical thinker or an emotional thinker.

Myers Briggs's 16 personalities sum up all the characters of T and F. To know yourself, take the logic VS emotion test, and improve your thinking. It helps if you are in a relationship, as emotional bonds tend to wary.