Failure to Elucidate
The Failure to Elucidate fallacy occurs when a definition is more difficult to understand than the term it is meant to clarify, often relying on obscure language, circular reasoning, or unhelpful synonyms.
THE IDEA
Failure to Elucidate
Obscurum per Obscurius Description: When the definition is made more difficult to understand than the word or concept being defined.
A useful test is whether the listener understands more after hearing the definition, or has only acquired another unexplained term.
Example #1: This is such a common fallacy, yet rarely detected as one. Usually, out of fear of embarrassment, we accept confusing definitions as legitimate elucidations, that is, we pretend the term that was defined is now clear to us. For instance, someone might define "field" (in physics) using other technical terms like "force" without clarifying those terms, leading to further confusion. What exactly is the field? How is it detected? Are there negative and positive ones? How do we know? The definition fails to illuminate.
Example #2: Many times, we fool ourselves into thinking that because we know other words for the term, we better understand what the term actually represents. We can redefine, “spirit” as many times as we like, but our understanding of what a spirit actually is will still be lacking. Assuming we did not really understand what was meant by “spirit”, the definition, “non-corporeal substance” might or might not shed any light on what is meant by the term. In this case, it might be more clear now that the speaker is not referring to alcoholic beverages, but conceptually, what is a non-physical substance? Especially when “substance” is defined as being physical matter or material. We fallaciously reason that we now understand what the term represents when in fact we don’t.
Exception: Some may actually just lack the vocabulary needed – this is not your fault, but you should do your best to attempt to elucidate using words understandable to your audience.
Tip: Are there any concepts that you feel you understand, when really you can just define the concept with words?
When to use it
Teaching: When introducing new vocabulary or concepts, use definitions that rely on simpler, well-understood terms rather than technical jargon.
Academic writing: Avoid circular definitions or those that merely rename the concept without adding clarity.
Everyday conversation: When someone gives a confusing definition, politely ask for a simpler explanation or an analogy.
Self-reflection: Recognize when you are using complex language to mask your own lack of understanding, and strive for honest clarity.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Defining 'field' in physics
A teacher defines 'field' as 'a region of space where forces act,' but the student is unclear on what 'forces' are. The definition fails to clarify the term and introduces additional confusion.
Defining 'spirit' as 'non-corporeal substance'
Calling a spirit a non-corporeal substance may distinguish it from an alcoholic drink, but it may still leave the listener unclear about what is being claimed. Replacing one unfamiliar expression with another has not necessarily explained the concept.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of a time you accepted a definition you didn't fully understand. How could you have asked for a clearer explanation?
When explaining a complex idea, what steps can you take to ensure your definitions are actually illuminating rather than confusing?
Why might people prefer to use obscure definitions rather than admit they do not fully understand a concept?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Logically Fallacious - The Ultimate Collection of Over 300 Logical Fallacies