Consider vs. Reconsider

[Farnsworth]

I'm at a bit of a loss to see the difference between "Consider" and "Reconsider". The definition of "Consider" talks about turning something over and over again in your head, which would imply that it's being reconsidered ad nauseum. What's the difference, and how are they a dynamic pair?

[Chris Huntley]

Consider is to think something over. Reconsider is to rethink something you have already considered.

For example, let's say is ask to be considered for a job. My boss considers it and decides no. I then whip out a photo of him doing something illegal and ask him to reconsider. In the same vein, Gran Mof Tarkin asks Leia to reveal the location of the rebel base in "Star Wars." She says no. He then says he'll have to use her home planet of Alderaan for targeting practice. When she balks, he asks her to reconsider telling him where the rebel base is located.

The act of reconsidering means to think something over again, presumably after one has already processed it (and possibly come to a decision or understanding about it).