lignoranza

Lignoranza is a coined term used in Italian-language discourse to describe a form of ignorance that is not accidental but deliberate or structurally reinforced. It refers to a tendency to avoid or reject information that would require updating beliefs or actions, often to preserve priors, identities, or political positions.

The compound blends l' (the definite article in Italian) with ignoranza (ignorance), signaling a collective or public dimension of not-knowing. Although not a formal academic category, lignoranza appears in debates on media literacy, misinformation, and governance to critique epistemic laziness or strategic misinformation.

It is linked to cognitive biases such as confirmation bias and motivated reasoning, as well as to information ecosystems that reward closure and penalize uncertainty. Lignoranza differs from simple ignorance by emphasizing choice and context: individuals may knowingly avoid credible sources to maintain a worldview.

In policy and public discourse, lignoranza can lead to delayed action, polarization, and the spread of misinformation as groups declare consensus where none exists, or dismiss credible evidence as part of a broader conspiracy.

Scholars warn against overusing the term, arguing it stigmatizes affected actors and obscures structural factors. Related terms include willful ignorance, motivated reasoning, and epistemic vice, which emphasize accountability and practical remedies.