Willed Ignorance
A logical fallacy where one refuses to change their mind or consider conflicting information, often isolating themselves in echo chambers or refusing to engage in debate.
THE IDEA
Willed Ignorance
Willed ignorance is refusing to change one’s mind or consider conflicting information.
- A common form is withdrawing from society into smaller subgroups where people share the same general opinions.
- Refusing to “debate” or consider other information is a refusal to reason.
Exception: Refusing to reason with a non-reasonable person would be an exception, but it is also a contradiction.
When to use it
When a person refuses to read news articles from sources with a different political slant.
In a scientific discussion, a researcher dismisses data that contradicts their hypothesis without consideration.
A manager ignores feedback from employees because it challenges their authority.
In personal relationships, someone avoids conversations about problems to maintain the status quo.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Echo Chamber
Withdrawing from society as a whole into smaller subgroups where people share the same general opinions.
Refusing Debate
Refusing to debate or consider other information as a refusal to reason.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
In what situations have you willfully ignored conflicting information?
How can you ensure you remain open to evidence that contradicts your beliefs?
What are the consequences of refusing to engage with opposing viewpoints?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Logically Fallacious - The Ultimate Collection of Over 300 Logical Fallacies