LOGIC
EGOCENTRIC MECHANISMS
A Labyrinth
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1. Egocentric memory:
Selective, convenient memory of evidence that supports one’s position and
convenient suppression of relevant counterevidence. This kind of
“forgetting” typically functions as an unconscious mechanism.
2. Egocentric myopia: An
intellectual shortsightedness based upon dogmatic (non-falsifiable,
rigid, inflexible) commitments to an overly narrow point of view
(ethnocentrism, provincialism).
3. Egocentric illusion: The irrational tendency, often unconsciously
assumed and practiced with an air of infallibility, to think one’s own
beliefs are true because I or we believe them, or
because I or we want them to be true. Compare the following
egocentric and ethnocentric illusions:
X is true
because I believe it (egocentrism)
X
is true because I want to believe it (wish
fulfillment or subjectivism)
X
is true because I have always believed it
(self-validation)
X
is true because we (group, society, tribe, gang,
race) believe it (ethnocentrism, provincialism)
X
is true because it is in my selfish interest to believe it
(selfishness)
4. Egocentric self-righteousness: A delusionary sense
of superiority over the common masses or average person based upon an
unwarranted, and therefore misguided, belief that one possesses the truth.
It is an unwarranted over-confidence in the correctness of one’s views.
5. Egocentric hypocrisy: The irrational tendency to totally ignore
blatant inconsistencies between our stated beliefs (profession) and
the actual beliefs implied by our words and actions (practice). Our
actual life-decisions and practices exhibit an implicational structure,
i.e., they imply something about our values, priorities, and genuine beliefs
(cf. the old adage “actions speak louder than words”). Egocentric hypocrisy
is typically inconsistent in its application of evaluative standards,
judging oneself according to a less stringent standard while simultaneously
expecting others to adhere to a higher or stricter standard.
6. Egocentric oversimplification: The irrational tendency to ignore,
repress or suppress real and significant complexities in the world in favor
of simplistic concepts and explanations. This tendency functions as an
avoidance mechanism since it removes any rational requirement to modify
our beliefs or values in light of relevant and real complexities.
7. Egocentric blindness: The irrational tendency not to notice facts
(relevant evidence, sound reasons, etc.) that challenge or contradict one’s
cherished beliefs and values.
8. Egocentric immediacy: The irrational tendency to be so absorbed in
the immediacy of the moment that one over-extends (projects,
over-generalizes) these immediate feelings to completely different,
unrelated spheres of existence or experience. Example: A 10-year-old
boy just watched his favorite football team lose the Super Bowl in the last
few seconds, after leading throughout the game. For a brief period, other
facets of his life or experience take on an unfavorable, negative quality as
well.
9. Egocentric absurdity: The irrational tendency to be blind to the
logical absurdities (contradictions and inconsistencies) of our reasoning,
especially when the conscious recognition of them would force us to revise
particular positions or even our entire belief system (worldview). |
