Summary Of David Shapiro's On The Psychology Of Self-Deception

In the passage On the Psychology of Self-Deception by David Shapiro, he explains how self-deception is composed and present within people. Shapiro starts by saying “there are two kinds of knowing: knowing “in a way” and “really” knowing” (93). Individuals transition from one to another when stating the information out loud. The difference in knowing “in a way” and “really” knowing is not when new information is formed but the knowledge is already in some sense known. Self-deception can be seen as a paradox because how can someone know something but not know at the same time. This process requires a selective monitoring of your-self and installing a consciousness of ideas and doing so without awareness. Self-deception can often portray the
loss of reality. One who changes perspective to fit popular opinion is known to be out of touch with reality. Also, one might tell themselves a problem is not there to persuade oneself from believing what is true. Individual self-deception is driven by doubt and anxieties, which sets limits and a sense that can never be fulfilled.