Introspection Illusion
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
We evaluate ourselves by introspecting our intentions and inner states ("I am good because my intentions are good"), but we evaluate others by observing their external behavior ("He is bad because he did bad things"). We firmly believe that our insight into our own minds is accurate, while ignoring subconscious biases. - Scaffold role: The cognitive root of double standards. - It is the twin of the "fundamental attribution error," but focuses more on the superstition about one's own inner self. When you feel "I am very objective," that itself may be an introspection illusion. The real you is reflected in your action records, not in your self-perception.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
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The cognitive root of double standards. - It is the twin of the "fundamental attribution error," but focuses more on the superstition about one's own inner self. When you feel "I am very objective," that itself may be an introspection illusion. The real you is reflected in your action records, not in your self-perception.
Anchor fast decisions
People evaluate themselves based on "introspective intentions" (good intentions = good self), and evaluate others based on "external behavior" (he did bad things = he is bad), while being overconfident in the accuracy of their own introspection, ignoring subconscious biases. This is the twin of the fundamental attribution error in the "self" dimension.
MINIMUM ACTION
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Introspection_illusionverified
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