false consciousness (1) lack of clear awareness of the source and significance of one’s beliefs and attitudes concerning society, religion, or values; (2) objectionable forms of ignorance and false belief; (3) dishonest forms of self-deception. Marxists (if not Marx) use the expression to explain and condemn illusions generated by unfair economic relationships. Thus, workers who are unaware of their alienation, and ‘happy homemakers’ who only dimly sense their dependency and quiet desperation, are molded in their attitudes by economic power relationships that make the status quo seem natural, thereby eclipsing their long-term best interests. Again, religion is construed as an economically driven ideology that functions as an ‘opiate’ blocking clear awareness of human needs. Collingwood interprets false consciousness as self-corrupting untruthfulness in disowning one’s emotions and ideas (The Principles of Art, 1938). See also BAD FAITH, EXISTENTIALIS. M.W.M.