Reconsideren

Reconsideren is a term used to describe the deliberate re-evaluation of a prior conclusion, decision, or stance. It denotes an explicit process of re-examining evidence, assumptions, and methods to determine whether a change in position is warranted. The concept is used across fields such as policy development, project management, scientific research, and organizational governance to promote adaptability and evidence-based revision.

The word is primarily used as a verb form: reconsideren. It appears in multilingual discussions as a blending of the English reconsider with a suffix reminiscent of the Dutch infinitive -en, signaling action or process. While not standardized, reconsideren is often deployed in English-language texts to evoke a procedural approach to reassessment.

Core steps typically include pausing to question decisions, compiling new or overlooked information, reassessing underlying assumptions, re-running analyses or simulations if applicable, and documenting the revised conclusions and rationale.

In practice, reconsideren can aid learning, transparency, and adaptability in areas such as policy debates, product development, and scientific work. Critics caution that excessive reconsideration may cause analysis paralysis or delay action, particularly in fast-moving environments.

Related concepts include reconsideration, review, deliberation, critical thinking, and iterative decision-making.