cognitive dissonance [ˈkäɡnədiv ˈdisənəns] NOUN psychology cognitive dissonance (noun) the state of having inconsistent thoughts, beliefs, or attitudes, especially as relating to behavioral decisions and attitude change. One of the most common manifestations of cognitive dissonance in our day and age is our treatment of non-humans. Although there is now a clear and present shift in consciousness toward unlimited compassion happening in the world, as evidenced by movements l