A Dictionary of Thought Distortions (2014)

Thought distortions are “techniques”, that, unconscious or conscious, are used from an interest in finding ways of getting on in the world, rather than an interest in finding ways of discovering the truth. Thought distortions are the background for poor reasoning, diversionary ploys, seductive reasoning errors, techniques of persuasion and avoidance, psychological factors, which can be obstacles to clear thought.

The question is: should one use thought distortions? The question raises the old discussion between Socrates and the Sophists. The Sophists were teachers of rhetoric who taught people how to get on in the world. In this they uncritically used thought distortions. Socrates was the philosopher who taught people in ways of finding the truth. In this he critically examined, re-structured and changed thought distortions.

With the claim that the Sophists today are back in that mixture of postmodernistic intellectualism, management theory, self-help and New Age, which Morten Tolboll calls The Matrix Conspiracy, he will, with this book, present a manual in the Socratic way of life.