Fear Controls, Literally

While flipping through the New York Times a few days ago, I came across an article entitled "Never Mind the Logic; Fear May Have an Edge". It discusses the recent financial crisis and through scientific studies, analyzes the individuals response to fear: "Scientists who have studied the brain function have found that the amygdala, the part of the brain that control fear; responds faster than the parts of the brain that handle cognitive function". This explains the power behind fear's motivational force. Since our ability to analyze a situation is second to the panic that sets in when we are afraid, we often respond foolishly to situations out of fright. This was seen recently, when many terrified Americans hurriedly sold their stocks, for fear they would lose money. This led to a domino effect of incompetence in Wall Street that plunged the market into deeper deficit. 

This proves the importance of using appeals that directly correspond to the individual. For when we are emotionally aroused about our own lives, our abilities to deconstruct an argument are temporarily useless. Therefore, in many arguments, the use of ethos and pathos, which may be aimed to directly effect the individual,  are more effective than logos. 

Consequently, it is critical in these fearful times to take a step back and think pragmatically. Before we are impelled to act out of panic, we must examine the practicality of the situation in order to ensure we are not being controlled by fear.