Definitionv1DF-217
Cognitive inertia
the tendency to maintain current interpretive frameworks and process new information through existing schemas rather than updating those frameworks, even when confronted with contradictory evidence
Why This Is a Definition
This definition precisely captures the technical meaning of cognitive inertia as described in the lesson, distinguishing it from simple belief persistence by emphasizing the specific mechanism of processing new information through existing schemas. It avoids the common misconception that cognitive inertia means ignoring new data entirely, instead defining it as the systematic corruption of information processing. The definition aligns with Belief Perseverance Against Contradictory Evidence and Extended Cognition Thesis's treatment of schema persistence.