[[File:Freethinkers.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|Many [[Militant atheism|militant atheists]] show signs of cognitive dissonance and dogmatism when engaged in discussions.
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See also: [[Atheism and open-mindedness]] and [[Atheism and dogmatism]] ]]
'''Cognitive dissonance''' is stress or discomfort caused by simultaneously holding contradictory ideas.
* An atheist, who believes that there is no design or purpose in biological life, faces arguments and evidence that support the existence of a designer;
* A devout [[Muslim]] finds contradictions in the [[Qur'an]].
* Anti-police leftist rioters, [[Defund the police|who want to see police departments abolished based on perceived grievances]] (whether real or imaginary), suddenly demand police protection for themselves after they lose fights against pro-police patriots.
== Signs of cognitive dissonance in a person engaged in a discussion/argument ==
Below are signs of cognitive dissonance in a person engaged in a discussion/argument:
*The person is unwilling to concede obvious factual points and arguments
*The individual mischaracterizes the points/position of the other party - often in a dishonest way
*The person myopically focuses on one variable/aspect of a matter rather than looking at the whole issue. See also: [[Fallacy of exclusion]]
*The individual engages in "mind reading" and baselessly attributes bad intentions in the other party
*The person becomes angry - even when not provoked.
*Rather than focus on the matter at hand, the person engages in personal attacks. See also: [[Ad hominem]]
==== Overcoming cognitive dissonance in a person who has shut down rational thinking ====
Below are techniques to eliminate/overcome cognitive dissonance in a person you are having a discussion with:
*Build trust/rapport in the other person through displaying empathy and using humor
==Responses to cognitive dissonance==
[[George Orwell]] famously discussed cognitive dissonance in his novel [[1984]], using the term [[doublethink]]. However, doublethink refers to the ability to overcome the stress or discomfort and to accept the contradictory ideas.<ref>[http://www.newspeakdictionary.com/ns-dict.html Newspeak Dictionary]</ref>
== See also ==
*[[Atheists and cognitive dissonance]]
*[[Evolutionary schizophrenia]]
== External link ==
*[https://grok.com/share/c2hhcmQtNA%3D%3D_5a9db2f8-31b6-4695-81d8-c68dc4aafd9b The Cognitive Dissonance Model: Apply It For Personal Growth]
==References==
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==See also==[[Evolutionary schizophrenia]][[Category:Logic]][[Category:Psychology]][[Category:Mental Health]]