Cognitive dissonance: A feeling of tension experienced when certain cognitions are contradictory or inconsistent with each other
For example, in this morning’s news:
“I think the bitter differences over the war are over,” said Mr Bush. [iC SouthLondon]
While at the same time, the level of peaceful demonstrations – and threats of violence – is such that:
About 4,000 police and 2,000 soldiers more than a third of Ireland’s security forces are being deployed… In addition, 700 US security personnel and four naval ships are being called in…. In Istanbul… Turkish police are expected to deploy more than 23,000 officers for the Nato leaders’ summit. [Belfast Telegraph]
I’m definitely experiencing “a feeling of tension” about contradictory cognitions. How about you?