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strategic_ignorance
A discourse tactic where a participant feigns confusion or misunderstanding to force an opponent into repeated explanation, consuming time and energy while preventing the argument from advancing. Distinguished from genuine confusion by its selectivity and persistence after clear explanations.
After a clear explanation of how a tax policy would work, a debater repeatedly says 'I still do not understand how that would reduce inequality' despite the mechanism having been explained multiple times.
During contract negotiations, a union representative explains three times in plain language how the proposed overtime calculation would reduce take-home pay. Each time, the HR director responds: 'I'm just not seeing how the math works out that way — can you walk me through it again?' The repeated explanations consume the meeting time, and no agreement is reached.
In a social media debate, a user makes a clear and sourced argument about the gender pay gap, distinguishing between raw and adjusted figures. Their opponent repeatedly responds: 'But what exactly do you mean by pay gap? I'm genuinely confused about your definition.' Despite multiple clarifications, the 'confusion' persists, preventing any substantive engagement with the evidence presented.
Binary (yes/no) questions an LLM must answer to identify this aspect:
Is a participant claiming not to understand a point that has been clearly explained?
Type: binaryDoes the claimed confusion force the opponent to repeatedly explain rather than advance the argument?
Type: binaryDoes the 'confused' party selectively understand arguments that support their position?
Type: binaryA discourse tactic where a participant feigns confusion or misunderstanding to force an opponent into repeated explanation, consuming time and energy while preventing the argument from advancing. Distinguished from genuine confusion by its selectivity and persistence after clear explanations.
The norm of cooperative discourse requires speakers to ensure understanding. By claiming not to understand, the tactic exploits this norm to create an infinite loop of explanation.
After one clear explanation, move forward: 'I have explained this clearly. If you have a specific objection, please state it. Otherwise, we should move on.'
Political talk shows, committee hearings, online debates, and workplace meetings.
Use these tools to detect, analyze, or train this aspect.