THE REFLEX OF JUDGING

“How beautifully Plato put it. Whenever you want to talk about people, it’s best to take a bird’s- eye view and see everything all at once— of gatherings, armies, farms, weddings and divorces, births and deaths, noisy courtrooms or silent spaces, every foreign people, holidays, memorials, markets— all blended and arranged in a pairing of opposites.” — Marcus Aurelius

Psychology and Philosophy Behind the Reflex of Judgment

Judgment is a multifaceted process influenced by a combination of cognitive, emotional, social, and cultural factors. Understanding these psychological processes can contribute to increased self-awareness and more mindful interactions with others.

According to the theories of psychology, defense mechanisms are psychological strategies that people unconsciously use to cope with anxiety, uncomfortable feelings, or perceived threats. Judging others may serve as a defense mechanism in several ways.

People may project their insecurities, fears, or undesirable traits onto others. By judging others, they deflect attention away from their own perceived shortcomings. Judging others can be a way to divert attention from one's vulnerabilities or flaws. By focusing on the perceived faults of others, individuals may avoid addressing their issues.

Categorizing and stereotyping others can be a way to simplify and make sense of the world. This simplification, however, can lead to judgment based on superficial characteristics rather than a nuanced understanding of individuals. Some people may engage in judgment as a way to bolster their self-esteem. By comparing themselves favorably to others, they may feel a temporary sense of superiority.

Judging others can be a defense mechanism triggered by fear of the unknown or unfamiliar. People may judge what is different to maintain a sense of control and security.

A few more psychological processes that may be associated with judgments are, social comparison can be a natural part of identity formation but can also lead to judgmental attitudes. Various cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, where individuals seek information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs, and the fundamental attribution error, where people attribute the behavior of others to internal characteristics rather than external factors, can contribute to judgment. Cultural and societal norms play a significant role in shaping judgments. Stereotypes, prejudices, and cultural expectations can influence how individuals perceive and judge others. Judging others can serve as a way to regulate one's own emotions. For example, expressing disapproval or criticism of someone may provide a temporary sense of control or relief from emotional discomfort.

In-Group/Out-Group Dynamics which is the tendency to favor members of their own social groups (in-groups) and may exhibit judgmental attitudes toward those perceived as outside of their groups (out-groups). This can contribute to prejudice and discrimination. According to Evolutionary Psychology judgment of others may have evolved as a survival mechanism. Early humans needed to quickly assess potential threats and allies in their environment, and this instinct may persist in modern humans as a tendency to judge others based on perceived cues. Attribution theory explores how individuals attribute causes to events or behaviors. People may make internal or external attributions when judging others, impacting how they interpret and respond to behavior.

We know that some level of judgment is a natural part of human cognition and is often necessary for making decisions and navigating social interactions. However, when unconscious defense mechanisms drive judgment, it can be counterproductive to healthy relationships and personal growth.

Going a step further, if we become conscious of this unconscious process, will we feel good about judging? What can we learn about ourselves from how we feel about it?

Interestingly, Stoicism posits that rapid judgments are often the result of our automatic emotional reactions, such as anger, fear, or desire. The Stoics believed in cultivating self-awareness and mindfulness to recognize these initial reactions and then applying reason to assess and adjust them.

According to Stoicism, our initial perceptions or impressions of a situation or person are not inherently good or bad; it's our assent or agreement with these impressions that leads to judgments. Practicing Stoicism involves withholding immediate assent and subjecting these impressions to rational scrutiny. It also emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between things within our control (our thoughts, actions, and attitudes) and those outside our control (external events, or other people's actions). Quick judgments often arise from assigning value judgments to external events or people, which Stoicism encourages us to reevaluate.

As the quote mentioned says, by distancing ourselves from our initial judgments, we can better assess situations with reason and avoid making hasty, emotionally driven decisions. Stoicism places a high value on virtue, particularly wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. When quick judgments arise, Stoicism encourages individuals to consider whether their assessments align with these virtues and to adjust their perspectives accordingly. By applying reason, practicing self-awareness, and aligning our judgments with virtues, we can overcome the impulse to judge hastily and cultivate a more thoughtful and measured approach to understanding others.