Delusion

A Venn diagram picturing the traditional definition of knowledge as justified true belief (That is represented by the yellow circle).

A delusion is an irrational, often bizarre thought. One of the most common types is the paranoid delusion, in which the sufferer believes that he or she is being persecuted, often by law enforcement or intelligence agencies. Delusions of reference, or the belief that one is receiving messages from public sources, are also common. For example, a person suffering from a delusion of reference may believe that a television newscaster's words contain a special message directed specifically at him. Delusions of grandeur include beliefs that one is very powerful or famous, as seen in A Beautiful Mind. Such delusions may include beliefs that one is furthering the goals of an extraterrestrial or occult power.

An example of a non-psychological delusion is the delusion employed by the Lamestream Media when they refuse to consider facts (especially when inconvenient to them) and instead insert their own opinions as if they were "news", as well as inserting fake news to deceive the public.

Characteristics of delusionary thinking

See also: Evidence-based thinking and Intellectual humility

• Unwavering belief that what they think is real despite all evidence to the contrary

• Persistence of holding the belief in spite of all evidence to the contrary

• Defensiveness when the delusionary belief is challenged

• Behaviorial changes that involved abnormal behavior

Types of delusions

• Persecutory delusions: The person believes they are being persecuted/wronged when they have not.

• Grandiose delusions: The person believes they have power, authority, competency and expertise.

• Delusionary envy/jealousy

See also

• Psychiatric
• Psychosis
• Specious reasoning