Abstract

This article has as its objective to analyze the relationship between the human decision making processes and self-regulating capacity / in the development of top-down regulation, in this particular case, by means of contemplative practices, principally mindfulness meditation. This debate is supported upon the nexus established between the cognitive and emotional processes, searching for comprehension of the casual bases of human decision making and the cognitive and affective process. From this theoretical perspective, emotions exercise the role of prominent neurobiological mechanisms in the decision-making process, thus revoking very influential rationalist and dualist Cartesian logic that have held sway until the present day. Through such characteristics, the dichotomous perspective between emotional and cognitive processes loses impact and augmentative influence, whereas the collaborative and integrative role between these two mechanisms that regulate the decision making behavior of individuals is reinforced. The theoretical foundation that supports the approach defended in this study is sustained upon neurophenomenology, which interacts synergistically with phenomenological approaches, modern discoveries from neuroscience and the oriental contemplative practices. In another sense, the interdisciplinarity between philosophy and the practical sciences provides the means for a conceptual proposal that produces a consistent dialogue with that of experimental, cognitive and neural discoveries. Thus producing the groundwork for a meaningful analysis of neurobiological and philosophical hypotheses of the classic problems related to our capacity for self-determination, self-government and voluntary control over our actions. In summary, through an examination of the current situation, few academic discussions propose such a broad and interdisciplinary debate on this theme, thus falling time and time again upon old conceptual paradigms, which are today already noticeably outweighed by empirical findings of the mind. Therefore, by incorporating into the philosophical debate cognition, millenary practices and scientific experience, we will produce a short theoretical conceptual revision concerning decision making until our arrival at the modern experiments performed with experienced meditators. Through this journey we will propose a philosophical discussion that presents new academic perspectives congruent with the debates on modern decision making and our capacity to self-regulate.