preconcetto

Preconcetto is an Italian term that denotes a belief or assumption formed before one encounters new evidence about a person, situation, or issue. Etymologically, it combines pre- meaning before with concetto, or concept, highlighting that the notion exists prior to examining facts. In everyday use, a preconcetto can be neutral or biased, depending on its content and how it affects judgment.

In knowledge and inquiry, a preconcetto refers to a concept or hypothesis carried into analysis that shapes interpretation of information. It is related to the idea that observation and reasoning are theory-laden, and it can contribute to confirmation bias when evidence is interpreted in a way that supports the preconception. The term is often contrasted with more evaluative terms like pregiudizio, or prejudice, which carries stronger negative connotations about groups or persons; a preconcetto itself is not inherently pejorative but can become problematic if it unduly constrains open inquiry.

In practice, preconcetti appear in science, journalism, politics, and everyday discourse. A researcher might begin with a preconcetto about a mechanism, a journalist may read events through a political lens, and a reader might judge a claim without fully considering contrary data. Recognizing and testing preconcetti is seen as part of rigorous thinking and methodological care.

Mitigation strategies include explicit articulation of hypotheses, actively seeking disconfirming evidence, preregistration of methods in research, blind evaluation where possible, and inviting diverse perspectives to challenge entrenched assumptions.