How can we develop minds that are not only intelligent but also wise? What role does emotion play in making decisions that matter not just to us, but to the communities and societies we live in?

Paul Thagard is a Canadian philosopher, cognitive scientist, and author renowned for his work in the philosophy of mind, cognitive science, and the development of explanatory coherence. He is Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Waterloo and has written extensively on how people reason, make decisions, and form beliefs—spanning topics from scientific thinking to social conflict to artificial intelligence.

In this episode, we explore Paul’s integrative approach to understanding the mind one that challenges the outdated separation between emotion and reason. Drawing from both neuroscience and philosophy, Paul unpacks how emotions aren’t just reactive but deeply entangled with our highest forms of thinking. We discuss his theory of “emotional coherence” and how it reshapes our understanding of rationality. From political polarization to ethical reasoning, Paul’s insights offer powerful tools for building better judgments and wiser societies. This episode is essential listening for anyone curious about the future of thinking both human and machine.