Final answer:
When an individual focuses only on learning subjects that align with their existing belief system, they are engaging in confirmation bias learning, which avoids challenging their preexisting views. This type of learning supports uncritical thinking and is reinforced by motivated reasoning, where one prefers ideas that confirm their beliefs and rejects conflicting evidence.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an individual learns only about subjects within the comfort zone of their belief system, they are using confirmation bias learning. This is a psychological phenomenon in which individuals tend to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms their preexisting beliefs and ideas, thus reinforcing their existing worldview without challenging it. An example of this would be if someone only reads news articles that align with their political views, ignoring those that might present conflicting evidence or viewpoints.
Belief systems are powerful and can shape how we view the world and interact with information. Postmodernist thought may suggest there is no objective truth, but uncritical thinking can lead to an inability to think critically about one's own beliefs. Motivated reasoning is another related concept where we preferentially embrace ideas we want to believe while dismissing evidence that contradicts those beliefs.
Maintaining our original beliefs is more comfortable and requires less effort compared to the critical examination of belief systems. Therefore, many individuals opt to stay within their cognitive comfort zones rather than actively challenging their assumptions. It is also influenced by early childhood education and household norms, which can encourage or discourage the questioning of certain beliefs such as religious teachings.