Doublethinks

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. The act or process of simultaneously accepting two contradictory beliefs or opinions as correct ; a cognitive state involving holding opposing ideas without recognizing the inconsistency ; a psychological condition of embracing two conflicting truths as equally valid
  2. The mental phenomenon where contradictory notions are maintained together without conscious conflict ; the capacity to believe two incompatible propositions simultaneously ; a mode of thought accepting inconsistent ideas as compatible and true
  3. A psychological state of endorsing opposing viewpoints at once without awareness of their contradiction ; the practice of reconciling mutually exclusive beliefs in one's mind ; a cognitive condition of dual acceptance of conflicting truths as if they coexisted harmoniously

Etymology: The concept behind this noun traces back to George Orwell’s dystopian novel "1984", published in 1949. In the book, the ruling Party employs a psychological manipulation technique called "doublethink," which allows individuals to hold two contradictory beliefs simultaneously and accept both as true. This mental state is fundamental to the Party’s control over reality and truth, making "doublethink" a coined term specifically for the novel’s fictional political context. Orwell created this term by combining "double," meaning twofold, and "think," referring to the process of thought. The term captures the paradox of maintaining contradictory beliefs without cognitive dissonance. It reflects the totalitarian regime’s power to reshape perception so thoroughly that citizens can accept falsehoods as reality and forget inconvenient truths at will. Though originally a literary invention, the noun has since entered broader discourse as a way to describe any situation where contradictory ideas are simultaneously held or promoted, often to obscure or manipulate truth. The plural form, "doublethinks," would logically refer to multiple instances or variations of this cognitive paradox, though it is less commonly used than the singular. Its evolution from Orwell’s imagination to everyday metaphor illustrates how fiction can profoundly influence language and thought.

Synonyms: contradictions, paradoxes, inconsistencies, ironies, cognitive dissonances