Those aren't mutually exclusive. Plus, I don't think his view is the default.Atla wrote: ↑Mon Nov 11, 2024 6:57 amYeah but Age isn't denying reality, he/she thinks we are denying reality.Iwannaplato wrote: ↑Mon Nov 11, 2024 6:54 amIf we change the words 'force' and 'tricks' and 'mistakes' what you just expressed might fit with his own views. The article I linked to talks about some gaslighters not knowing what they are doing. Sometimes they are called self-deceiving gaslighters. To me the moment someone regularly denies reality through a variety of devices AND presents negative views of you (and others) supported by doing this, they are gaslighting.
I think it can be a valid definition that one must be consciously trying to manipulate people and mess with their minds. Given that I don't always know what is really going on in the other person's mind and in a sense it doesn't matter - what I call gaslighting is happening - I include people who may not be aware of what they are doing. I think that's also valid. But in discussion with you, hey, I can work with your definition and avoid it. But in general the use in psychology and every day life seems to include both kinds of patterns. And, of course, there can be mixtures of awareness. Some awareness, some degree of fooling oneself. For non-psychopaths it's pretty uncomfortable to notice what one is doingt, unless you have some kind of justification for trying to break someone else down.
Further his view of reality isn't really the focus of his gaslighting. Much of his gaslighting has to do with what he does in interactions with others and what he claims they are doing interpersonally. All his mindreading, denials, etc.
In any case, I would guess he doesn't think he is gaslighting.
He might think it's fair tactics given his incredible knowledge. He might not. I lean towards him not being able to look at what he is doing, so not knowing about it.
But I don't care if he is conscious of it. He is likely repeatedly ignoring discomfort and flickers of awareness that something is going on he doesn't want to look at. The edges of cognitive dissonance. He's responsible for that. It takes word for someone unconscious to stay unconscious when there are constant clues. That holds for all of us.