Both are about how we explain other people's bad behaviour. The fundamental attribution error names the bias — we blame character, not circumstance — and Hanlon's razor is a rule of thumb for correcting it.
| Hanlon's razor | The fundamental attribution error | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A bias: blaming a person's character over their situation | A heuristic: assume carelessness before malice |
| Type | A description of how we misjudge others | A corrective habit you apply on purpose |
| Example | Assuming a rude driver is a bad person, not someone having a bad day | Assuming a missed email was an oversight, not a snub |
The fundamental attribution error is the trap — we default to blaming someone's character for their situation. Hanlon's razor is one way out: before assuming malice, ask whether carelessness explains it just as well. The error is automatic; the razor is a deliberate check on it.
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