Aitoudenvarmennus

Aitoudenvarmennus, also known as "denial of denial" or "double denial," is a cognitive bias that occurs when a person denies the reality of a situation while simultaneously denying that they are denying it. This phenomenon is often observed in the context of cognitive dissonance, where individuals may rationalize their actions or beliefs to maintain a consistent self-image.

The term "aitoudenvarmennus" is derived from Finnish, where "aito" means "true" and "denvarmennus" translates to "denial." The concept was popularized by Finnish philosopher and psychologist Eero Saarinen in his 1991 book "Aitoudenvarmennus: Kognitiivinen tutkimus." Saarinen argued that this bias is a fundamental aspect of human cognition, helping individuals cope with uncertainty and maintain a coherent worldview.

Research on aitoudenvarmennus has shown that it can influence various aspects of human behavior, including decision-making, perception, and social interactions. For example, individuals may deny the existence of a problem while simultaneously denying that they are denying it, leading to a cycle of avoidance and denial.

In summary, aitoudenvarmennus is a cognitive bias characterized by the simultaneous denial of a reality and the denial of that denial. It plays a significant role in human cognition and behavior, helping individuals navigate complex and uncertain situations.