Difference between revisions of "Fake explanation"
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[[category:rhetorical deceptions]]A [[fake explanation]] is anything which sounds like an explanation, or is offered as an explanation, but which does not offer any further understanding even if it might be true.{{seedling}} | [[category:rhetorical deceptions]]A [[fake explanation]] is anything which sounds like an explanation, or is offered as an explanation, but which does not offer any further understanding even if it might be true.{{seedling}} | ||
| − | "Because God did it" is one example commonly used in [[religion]]-based arguments. The question-and-answer pair "What makes it go? Energy!", found in an elementary school science textbook, was derided by the late [[Nobel Prize]]-winning physicist [[Richard Feynman]] as being utterly useless as an explanation. | + | Many [[fake explanation]]s are also [[curiosity stopper]]s. |
| + | ===Examples=== | ||
| + | * "Because [[God did it]]" is one example commonly used in [[religion]]-based arguments. | ||
| + | * The question-and-answer pair "What makes it go? Energy!", found in an elementary school science textbook, was derided by the late [[Nobel Prize]]-winning physicist [[Richard Feynman]] as being utterly useless as an explanation. | ||
''Probably most often in the form of a [[non sequitur]], but I don't have time to check into this at the moment. -[[User:Woozle|W]].'' | ''Probably most often in the form of a [[non sequitur]], but I don't have time to check into this at the moment. -[[User:Woozle|W]].'' | ||
Revision as of 01:28, 10 May 2009
Overview
A fake explanation is anything which sounds like an explanation, or is offered as an explanation, but which does not offer any further understanding even if it might be true.
Many fake explanations are also curiosity stoppers.
Examples
- "Because God did it" is one example commonly used in religion-based arguments.
- The question-and-answer pair "What makes it go? Energy!", found in an elementary school science textbook, was derided by the late Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman as being utterly useless as an explanation.
Probably most often in the form of a non sequitur, but I don't have time to check into this at the moment. -W.