Megetanulni

Megetanulni is a neologism that appears in some contemporary discussions of learning theory to denote the process of unlearning—discarding outdated or incorrect knowledge, habits, or mental models in order to make room for new understanding. The term is not part of standard Hungarian dictionaries and is typically found in informal writing, educational blogs, and seminars addressing lifelong learning or organizational change. In many English-language sources, the closest equivalents are unlearning or relearning.

Etymology and usage: The word is often described as a compound formed from tanulni (to learn) with a prefix suggesting reversal or negation; however, it is not universally accepted as a standard Hungarian form. Its precise sense can vary by author, but it generally emphasizes active revision of what one believes to be true rather than merely accumulating new facts. Because it is a relatively new and debated term, definitions range from broad to context-specific.

Concept and process: Unlearning involves recognizing outdated schemas, challenging assumptions, and reconstructing knowledge to fit current evidence or contexts. It is frequently framed as complementary to learning rather than a substitute for it. The process can involve reflection, deliberate practice with updated models, exposure to counterexamples, and dialogue with diverse perspectives.

Applications and impact: In education, corporate training, and technology adoption, encouraging unlearning is viewed as essential for adapting to rapid change. Critics note that the term can be vague and that unlearning is often embedded within broader cognitive or pedagogical strategies rather than described as a distinct, stand-alone skill.

See also: unlearning, relearning, cognitive flexibility, habit change, debiasing.