Cognitive dissonance provokes a change in attitude due to rational discourse between people with opposing views cognitive dissonance does not provoke a change in attitude; it provokes a change in behavior emotional thinking and reasoning psychological tension produced by discrepant attitudes

the old way of life was represented by superstition, an angry god, and absolute submission to authority. the thinkers of the age of reason ushered in a new way of thinking. this new way championed the accomplishments of humankind. individuals did not have to accept despair. science and reason could bring happiness and progress. kings did not rule by divine right. they had an obligation to their subjects. europeans pondered the implications for nearly a century. americans put them into practice first.