Argument by Gibberish
The Argument by Gibberish fallacy occurs when incomprehensible jargon or incoherent gibberish is used to give the appearance of a strong argument, replacing evidence or valid reasoning, often leading the audience to accept the conclusion due to confusion or intimidation.
THE IDEA
Argument by Gibberish
(also known as: bafflement, argument by (prestigious) jargon)
Description: When incomprehensible jargon or plain incoherent gibberish is used to give the appearance of a strong argument, in place of evidence or valid reasons to accept the argument. The more common form of this argument is when the person making the argument defaults to highly technical jargon or details not directly related to the argument, then restates the conclusion.
Logical Form:
- Person A uses incomprehensible jargon or gibberish.
- Therefore, person A's conclusion must be true (or at least more credible).
Example #1: "We should use the dztgmetric variance to align our core competencies with the dynamic change in the market parameters by leveraging our holistic approach and proactive synergy."
Explanation: I have no idea what I just wrote, and the audience will have no idea either – but the audience (depending on who the audience is) will most likely make the assumption that I do know what I am talking about, believe that they are incapable of understanding the argument, and therefore, agree with my conclusion since they think I do understand it. This is fallacious reasoning.
Example #2: "The reason why we know the Bible was not written by people, and is a message from God is because if you look at the Bible, it says what it says and means what it means, which is the proof that God cannot lie."
Explanation: This is a classic argument from gibberish. Although the wording may be different, the argument explains nothing in any meaningful way. Rather than exclaiming, “I am sorry, I understand the words, but this makes no sense”, people react in different ways. Maybe it’s because of not wanting to look ignorant. Maybe it’s because they are told they will only understand if their faith is strong enough, and they don’t want to admit to not having enough faith. Or perhaps they feel not understanding this argument could lead to becoming a non-believer (slippery slope fallacy) so they deceive themselves into thinking they understand.
Exception: Some arguments require some jargon or technical explanations.
Tip: Remember that good communication is not about confusing people; it’s about mutual understanding. Don’t try to impress people with fancy words and jargon, when simpler words will do just fine.
When to use it
A politician uses vague, technical policy language to avoid answering a direct question about a controversial issue.
A salesperson fills a product pitch with buzzwords like 'synergy', 'paradigm shift', and 'disruptive innovation' without explaining actual benefits.
In academic writing, an author uses unnecessarily complex terminology to make a simple idea seem profound, obscuring weak evidence.
A student in a debate resorts to quoting irrelevant expert jargon to avoid defending a weak position.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Example #1
We should use the dztgmetric variance to align our core competencies with the dynamic change in the market parameters by leveraging our holistic approach and proactive synergy.
Example #2
The reason why we know the Bible was not written by people, and is a message from God is because if you look at the Bible, it says what it says and means what it means, which is the proof that God cannot lie.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Recall a time when someone used complex jargon to make an argument sound more convincing. Were you able to see through it, and how did you respond?
What steps can you take to ensure that your own explanations are clear and free of unnecessary gibberish?
How would you explain the concept of Argument by Gibberish to a friend who has never studied logic?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Logically Fallacious - The Ultimate Collection of Over 300 Logical Fallacies