false belief
Definition
Noun: A belief that is not true, formed based on faulty logic or incorrect information. It is a state of believing something that does not correspond with reality or facts.
Usage
The term "false belief" is used to describe a conviction or opinion held by an individual or group that is incorrect. It emphasizes that the belief itself is wrong, often due to an error in thinking or a lack of accurate information. - It is commonly used in discussions about psychology, philosophy, logic, and everyday reasoning. - It is a neutral, descriptive term for an erroneous belief, not necessarily implying that the person holding it is foolish.
Examples
- His false belief that all snakes are venomous made him unnecessarily afraid of the garden snake.
- The company's failure was partly due to the management's false belief that their product had no competition.
- Many historical decisions were based on false beliefs about geography or science.
- Overcoming a false belief often requires confronting new evidence.
Advanced Usage
- In Cognitive Psychology: The term is central to theory of mind, especially in the "false-belief task," which tests a child's ability to understand that others can hold beliefs different from reality.
- In Epistemology: Discussed as a type of propositional attitude that fails to meet the condition of truth.
Variants and Related Words
- Misconception (n): A view or opinion that is incorrect because it is based on faulty thinking or understanding. Often used interchangeably with "false belief," though "misconception" can sometimes imply a more widespread or common error.
- Fallacy (n): A mistaken belief, especially one based on unsound argument. This term is more specific to errors in logical reasoning.
- Delusion (n): A belief held with strong conviction despite superior evidence to the contrary. This term often has clinical or pathological connotations.
Synonyms
- Erroneous belief
- Mistaken idea
- Incorrect assumption
- Wrong conviction
Antonyms
- True belief
- Fact
- Knowledge
- Reality
Noun
-
a misconception resulting from incorrect reasoning
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