reconsidering

Reconsidering is the act of reviewing a decision, opinion, or course of action after new information, reflection, or changed circumstances, with the potential outcome of altering that decision.

The term is built from the prefix re- meaning "again" and the verb consider, indicating an evaluation conducted anew.

In personal decision making, reconsidering involves weighing new information or changed circumstances and may lead to a different choice. In public life, courts or legislatures may reconsider rulings or policies when presented with new evidence or evolving norms. In science and journalism, models or reports are reassessed as data accumulate or methods improve.

Reconsideration can correct errors, reduce bias, and improve outcomes. It supports intellectual humility and adaptive planning. However, excessive or indecisive reconsideration can delay action, contribute to inconsistency, or undermine confidence if not anchored to clear criteria.

Effective reconsideration often proceeds with explicit criteria, transparent evidence review, and time-bound reflection. Techniques include listing assumptions, performing sensitivity analyses, seeking dissenting perspectives, and documenting rationale for changes.

Related ideas include revision, reflection, critical thinking, and decision making.