Often, many do appear to operate on the premise that strong emotion suffices for the "reason" they believe something. But what is the underlying reason for the strong emotion? Often they don't know. Or it comes back to dogmatic indoctrination - things they were brought up with as child and never questioned. And come hell or high water, they are not going to question them now!

The really odd thing is that when those who find their strong emotion enough of a "reason" that I should see things their way find themselves in a position where they require clarification, strong emotion from me is not adequate; they want to know why. (That said, sadly, I have found that sometimes their purpose for asking me why is not for better understanding, but so that they can incorporate my answer into further emotional assault.). An equally strong emotional response is not enough to get them to change their viewpoint. So why would theirs change mine?

Often though, I believe people use strong emotion as a method to getting their way, not as a tool for mutual understanding. It works much like a baby crying - which makes nearly everyone feel compelled to determine the baby's need so it will stop.

I realize that some of us were born to a propensity for logic and communication while others were not, but these are both skills that can be learned. It would make all aspects of our existence far less stressful.