pseudo-problem
Question without substance
A pseudo-problem is a question or difficulty that appears to require solving but dissolves under closer examination—either because it rests on false assumptions, confuses terms, or asks something meaningless.
Philosophers use the term for questions that seem profound but turn out to be linguistic muddles rather than genuine puzzles: Whether free will exists may be a pseudo-problem arising from how we define 'free.'
Trivial or resolved matter
- red herringIntentional misleading distraction
- false dilemmaReasoning error limiting options
- straw manFake version to demolish
- chimeraUnrealistic fantasy or hybrid
Trivial or resolved matter
- tempest in a teapotDisproportionate fuss about trivialities
- molehillBurrower's earth pile
- storm in a teacupDisproportionate fuss over trifles
- nitpickFind petty faults
quibble · trifle · side issue · non-starter · waste of time · hair-splitting · bikeshedding
Thing diverting one's attention
- smokescreenConcealment through misdirection
- decoyFalse target for misdirection
- diversionRedirection of attention
- deflectionChange in trajectory
sidetrack · feint · obfuscation · sleight of hand · wild goose chase · MacGuffin · bait and switch · maneuvering
Failure to grasp meaning
- misconceptionErroneous belief or understanding
- misdiagnosisIncorrect identification of ailment
- misreadingIncorrect interpretation of text
- false alarmErroneous warning signal
misinterpretation · mistaken belief · flawed reasoning · logical fallacy · category error · confirmation bias · tunnel vision · blind spot
Inaction from excessive deliberation
- catastrophizingImagining worst-case outcomes
- ruminationProlonged, repetitive thinking
- overcomplicationMaking something unnecessarily complex
- second-guessingReconsidering a decision made
anticipatory anxiety · worst-case thinking · overanalysis · paralysis by analysis · circular thinking
nonissue
Trivial or resolved matter
- red herringIntentional misleading distraction
- false dilemmaReasoning error limiting options
- straw manFake version to demolish
chimera · paper tiger · windmill · bugbear · tempest in a teapot
nonissue
Trivial or resolved matter
- tempest in a teapotDisproportionate fuss about trivialities
- molehillBurrower's earth pile
- storm in a teacupDisproportionate fuss over trifles
nitpick · quibble · trifle · side issue · non-starter · waste of time · hair-splitting · bikeshedding
distraction
Thing diverting one's attention
- smokescreenConcealment through misdirection
- decoyFalse target for misdirection
- diversionRedirection of attention
deflection · sidetrack · feint · obfuscation · sleight of hand · wild goose chase · MacGuffin · bait and switch · maneuvering · subterfuge
misunderstanding
Failure to grasp meaning
- misconceptionErroneous belief or understanding
- misdiagnosisIncorrect identification of ailment
- misreadingIncorrect interpretation of text
false alarm · misinterpretation · mistaken belief · flawed reasoning · logical fallacy · category error · confirmation bias · tunnel vision · blind spot · hasty conclusion
analysis paralysis
Inaction from excessive deliberation
- catastrophizingImagining worst-case outcomes
- ruminationProlonged, repetitive thinking
- overcomplicationMaking something unnecessarily complex
second-guessing · anticipatory anxiety · worst-case thinking · overanalysis · paralysis by analysis · circular thinking
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