Paradox
A statement or situation that is contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet remains true.
Intemperate
Lacking moderation or self-control.
Consumerism
The belief that material possessions are essential to happiness and well-being.
Conformity
Compliance with standards, rules, or laws.
Technocratic Rationalism
The governance or influence of technical experts, and a reliance on systems and technology for decision-making.
Bureaucratic Alienation
A term from sociologist Max Weber, describing how large systems can depersonalize and isolate individuals.
Anomie
A condition where norms and values are confused or absent.
Empirical Cynicism
A view grounded in observation that leads to disillusionment.
Cognitive Dissonance
The psychological discomfort experienced when holding two or more contradictory beliefs or values simultaneously.
Cultural Schizophrenia
A metaphorical term describing conflicting cultural values or behaviors within a society.
Hedonistic Paradox
The philosophical idea that the more one pursues pleasure directly, the more elusive it becomes.
