Ask HN: Given a sufficiently complex argument, people deduce anything they like

2 ricardo81 4 5/5/2025, 4:06:20 PM

Is there a principle for such a thing?

Anecdote: People who choose to believe in something can search the web and find a conclusion that they already had by finding something agreeable.

The person may be reasonably objective, but given enough technobabble, they'll reach the conclusion they already had.

Comments (4)

90s_dev · 5h ago

> Is there a principle for such a thing?

Confirmation bias.

ricardo81 · 4h ago

ah, yes.

What about the sufficiently complex angle?

Jtsummers · 1h ago

Cherry picking. They can find and select the evidence that bolsters their position while ignoring or disregarding evidence contrary to their position. This can be easier when it's a more complex topic with more evidence for both sides of a debate.

beardyw · 4h ago

It seems to apply to AI as well, so don't be too judgemental.

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Ask HN: Given a sufficiently complex argument, people deduce anything they like

Comments (4)