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Armok_GoB comments on Bad Concepts Repository - Less Wrong
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Bad Concept: Obviousness
Consider this - what distinguishes obviousness from a first impression? Like some kind of meta semantic stop sign, "it's obvious!" can be used as an excuse to stop thinking about a question. It can be shouted out as an argument with an implication to the effect of "If you don't agree with me instantly, you're an idiot." which can sometimes convince people that an idea is correct without the person actually supporting their points. I sometimes wonder if obviousness is just an insidious rationalization that we cling to when what we really want is to avoid thinking or gain instant agreement.
I wonder how much damage obviousness has done?
That seems like just a wrong use of obvious. When I say "obvious" I usually mean I cannot explain something because my understanding is subconscious and opaque to introspection.
I'm glad you seem to be aware of this problem. Unfortunately, I don't think the rest of the world is aware of this. The dictionary currently defines obvious as meaning "easily seen" and "evident", unfortunately.