ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a partial remedy by considering the conditions under which inertial effects on learning are most likely to be overcome. It examines how to optimize self-directed learning. Unlike learning directed by an expert in the field of interest, self-directed learning focuses on the seeking and absorption of new information. It offers maximum freedom, but minimum assistance in overcoming the effects of inertia. Extrinsic learning is typically done to obtain some type of external positive consequence. A central problem underlying the processes of learning concerns the metric against which to measure beliefs. All else being equal, parsimonious beliefs are preferable over nonparsimonious beliefs. A significant obstacle to the establishment of an acceptable prescriptive standard for belief change lies in the widely acknowledged unavailability of an unambiguous criterion to prescribe rational belief change. A common element in each of the reasons for changing a belief is the occurrence of a problem with at least one of our beliefs.
