I came across this concept of fundamental attribution error (FAE) while reading Ode to a world-saving idea.

/what is it

FAE is a psychological bias. Lee Ross coined the term “fundamental attribution error” in 1977, in a paper.

When explaining other's behaviour, we give too much emphasis on their character and too less importance to their situation. Basically, we tend to be kinder to ourselves, but when it comes to others it is a 100% their fault.

This seems similar to confirmation bias, a concept I first came across while reading M. Scott Peck's The Road less travelled. He talked about people having specific world-views. And then finding material that aligns with our world-view and discarding those that do not. But it is not.

This can show up in the world in a few different ways.

1. If your colleague arrives late to the office, they are lazy. But if you arrive late, there was a reason. Something happened.
2. It reinforces allegiances within tribes and antagonism between tribes.
3. Once a nation gets polarised, it is difficult to go back.

/exceptions

1. If you or your friend does something bad, it is because of a bad situation.
2. If your enemy or rival does something good, it is because of a situation.

/how to overcome it

Since it is a psychological factor, it is difficult to overcome it. Something that might help is gratitude, whenever we feel this way about anyone else. We have to be aware, and be empathetic to others. We have to look at their situation. What their POV is.

This is cognitive empathy, which is different from emotional empathy (i.e. feel their pain).