Resonance Defined

To delve into what it means when we say something "resonates with me," we should start with the idea of inference.

Most people associate inference with logical deduction:

• All men are mortal.
• Socrates is a man.
• Therefore, Socrates is mortal.

The final statement—the conclusion—is our inference drawn from the earlier premises. However, to explore resonance, we must adopt a broader interpretation of inference. For this discussion, we will define an inference as the product of our sensory perceptions combined with what we already know, leading to either the formation of a new belief or the modification or removal of an existing one.

The perceptions I refer to encompass everything from basic sights and sounds to words we read or hear from others. Furthermore, the knowledge we draw upon isn't solely explicit; it can also include subconscious beliefs shaped by instincts or life experiences.

When I mention modifying beliefs, I’m not only considering those we can articulate but also the myriad unconscious beliefs that influence our decisions and preferences without our awareness.

Equipped with this broader definition, we can begin to articulate what resonance entails. Essentially, it represents the emotional response accompanying an inference—the stronger the resonance, the more significant the inference feels to the individual.

The Role of Emotion in Reasoning

I recognize that in online debates, the rhetorical advantage often lies in claiming to be "rational" while dismissing opponents as "emotional." However, logical reasoning inherently requires emotion, much like a combustion engine needs fuel to function. (For those interested in this intersection of logic and emotion, I recommend reading "Relevance: Communication and Cognition" by Dan Sperber and Dierdre Wilson.)

The Connection Between Humans and Nature

You may be aware that humans and chimpanzees share 99% of our DNA, but did you know that our genetic makeup is 75% similar to chickens and 60% to banana plants? This may seem odd, yet it highlights how many fundamental metabolic processes are universal across living organisms.

Nature builds upon existing frameworks. Long before the emergence of complex communication and reasoning, simpler organisms were navigating survival and reproduction challenges.

When we consider what it means to be "rational," we often refer to how effectively an agent achieves their goals—goals that must align with broader objectives, typically centered around survival and reproduction.

Even in humans, many of our aims ultimately serve our biological viability. While we can invest in social ideologies, these too often enhance our competitive edge for resources essential for survival.

Despite advancements in overcoming scarcity and danger, our brains still operate under the neurochemical architecture shaped by our ancestors' survival needs. Resonance is a component of this architecture. For instance, the pleasure associated with sex encourages reproduction, while the joy of learning and problem-solving fosters curiosity and cognitive engagement.

This first video discusses the pitfalls of relying solely on what resonates with us, emphasizing the need for critical thinking.

The Challenges of Abstract Reasoning

To summarize, resonance is the emotional response tied to drawing an inference, motivating us to make accurate inferences. However, inferences stem from our existing knowledge and our interpretations of current perceptions.

If you’ve studied basic logic, you know that a conclusion holds true only if its premises are valid. Consequently, there will be instances where something resonates with us, even if it’s false—either due to inaccurate knowledge or flawed interpretations of what we perceive.

Moreover, the more abstract our inquiries—those not directly linked to our immediate safety—the less reliable resonance becomes as an indicator of truth.

Nature selected for brains that effectively merged inference with emotional rewards when our thoughts primarily revolved around immediate survival. This mechanism evolved to address urgent questions like:

• Is that a cliff ahead?
• Is that a lion intending to attack?
• Is she interested in a romantic connection?

As we began to explore deeper questions about existence or the fundamental nature of matter, we inadvertently misplaced our reliance on resonance as a guide to truth.

The Demon-Haunted World

Unfortunately, many continued to believe that resonance applied equally to these profound inquiries, leading to what Carl Sagan termed "The Demon-Haunted World"—a realm filled with beings and forces that feel real but lack definitive proof.

This demon-haunted world appears credible because it seemingly explains our experiences. However, explanations are merely inferences, which modify our knowledge of the world and are accompanied by resonance.

Yet, for questions lacking adaptive relevance, resonance may only hint at being on the right track—or worse, mislead us entirely.

Developing Discernment

So, how do we navigate the concept of resonance? How do we distinguish between genuine insight and misguided beliefs when resonance has historically felt so reliable?

Keep in mind that resonance does not equate to truth; it is simply our body rewarding us for discovery. Just as one can seek immediate gratification at the cost of long-term health (like indulging in junk food), we can also pursue short-term cognitive rewards that may undermine our mental well-being, such as joining echo chambers on social media.

Conversely, we can invest in long-term strategies to develop a well-balanced cognition that effectively integrates diverse information about our world. This requires discipline. When you feel resonance, it should prompt you to ask questions rather than settle into comfort.

Scientists face the same susceptibility to resonance as anyone else—from Archimedes’ "Eureka" to Brian Greene’s "Elegant Universe." Yet, unlike many, scientists instinctively ask, "How can I disprove this?" upon experiencing that emotional surge.

While it may seem unromantic and diminish the joy of discovery, cultivating this philosophical discipline ultimately enriches the experience of resonance.

The intensity of resonance correlates with the impact of the inference. If you’ve worked to understand and reconcile your beliefs with a broad array of experiences, each new inference will face a significant challenge.

Those who chase fleeting thrills from horoscopes or conspiracy theories are akin to someone admiring a picture of Mount Everest, compared to someone who has reached its summit.

In this second video, the discussion focuses on balancing what resonates with us against what may not serve our understanding in the long run.