As a total nerd* and a graduated English major, I often like to explore the deeper meanings behind some of the staples in geek culture. Much like analyzing a piece of classic literature, anyone can delve deeper into the themes, character development, and authorial intention (tread lightly with that one) behind movies, comic books, and television shows. As I work on my own personal growth, I frequently think back to Spock and Kirk and how their character development speaks to decision-making and communication abilities that most of us deal with on a daily basis.
*proof of nerddom, Exhibit A, my photo with William Shatner & his autograph:
Before I go off on a tangent, first I will provide a little framework for this thesis. Throughout history we have studied human nature, and throughout these studies we have paired Logic and Emotion on opposites sides much like a versus battle.
One way that these two are at odds with each other is through the “left brain” vs “right brain” science. Many of us know that our brains are often thought of in two “halves” which influence the ways in which we perceive our surroundings and make decisions based on those perceptions. Regardless of what internet quizzes may tell you, everyone uses a balance of the left and right sides. The “left brain” is considered the logic-based side whereas the “right brain” is the emotional side. The side of our brain that we use when interpreting a problem we encounter, for example, will shape how we react to said problem.
Similarly, when learning about giving speeches many will learn the methods to win over an audience or persuade an audience to see their point of view. Aristotle’s “ingredients for persuasion” also pair logic and emotion against each other as “Logos” and “Pathos”. Logos is, as the etymology suggests, a logical appeal, whereas Pathos is an appeal to an audience’s emotions. You can read specific examples on how these appeals can be used here.
According to Psychology Today, 80% of choices are drive by emotions. According to Aristotle, logic AND emotional appeals are beneficial when communicating. And according to our brains, well, logic and emotion are often battling it out to influence how we make our decisions. Mental balance, I would argue, makes you able to live life to the fullest AND communicate the most effectively. Knowing your true self helps to find this balance as it allows you to tap into which emotions align with your logic and which are fleeting or irrational.
Now, tying this back in to Star Trek, we can look at the characters of Spock and Kirk and their interactions with each other to better understand ourselves and the importance of finding said mental balance. Spock is from the planet Vulcan and Vulcans study to be solely creatures of logic. However, Spock’s mother was human, allowing him to also be more aware of the emotional complexities that humans struggle with (at least, in the eyes of a Vulcan). The newer Star Trek movies do a great job of summarizing this aspect of Spock’s character—they show him studying logic as a child, they show him becoming emotionally compromised, and they show him trying to find balance between the two sides. Even Spock’s father, who is 100% Vulcan, admits that he married for love and not simply because it was a logical union. While the Vulcans spend their lives dedicated to logic and its studies, my interpretation is that they recognize some of the merits of right brain thinking.
The original Star Trek series also has a strong focus on logic vs emotions as Captain Kirk is strongly driven by his gut instincts whereas Spock values a more logic-based analytics approach to all scenarios. Through their comradery which grows throughout their journeys, they are able to find that logic and emotions are not an either/or but instead are BOTH necessary for balance and self-enlightenment.
Whether you prefer Kirk or Spock, ultimately you can look at both characters and how they develop throughout each part of the Star Trek franchise and use that information to help yourself grow and improve as a person. I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer regarding which is more valuable—logic or emotion—because I think to be a healthy human being you need to be able to use both to make decisions and to communicate with others.
Live long and prosper!!
Carli Luca 