Final answer:
The term for holding two contradictory beliefs in one's mind and accepting both in George Orwell's 1984 is known as doublethink.
Step-by-step explanation:
In George Orwell's dystopian novel 1984, the term that describes the ability to hold two contradictory beliefs in one's mind simultaneously and accept both of them is known as doublethink. This concept is central to the ideology of the totalitarian regime in the novel, allowing citizens to accept and corroborate mutually exclusive concepts to maintain the status quo. The practice of doublethink is a deliberate act of psychological control employed by the Party to ensure unquestioning loyalty and prevent subversive thoughts.
Engaging in doublethink often requires the rejection of logic and evidence in favor of maintaining the power structure. It is a form of cognitive dissonance where one suspends critical thinking in order to hold two opposing ideas as simultaneously acceptable. This concept is indicative of the tremendous power the Party wields over the thoughts and beliefs of its subjects, manipulating reality to fit its narratives.
Though it might seem absurd, the concept of doublethink reflects real-world tendencies where individuals may overlook contradictions within their own belief systems to avoid cognitive discomfort or to align with a group identity. Thus, Orwell's exploration of this phenomenon serves as a warning against the dangers of ideological conformity and the suppression of individual thought.