Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

obscurum-per-obscurius

Phrase

/ɒbˈskjʊər.əm pər ɒbˈskjʊr.i.əs/

Definition

A Latin phrase meaning ‘the obscure by means of the more obscure.’ It is often used in philosophical contexts to describe the process of explaining something unknown or unclear by referring to something that is even less known or understood.

Examples

In philosophical discussions, the use of ‘obscurum-per-obscurius’ is often criticized for complicating rather than clarifying arguments.
The teacher warned the students against obscurum-per-obscurius explanations during their presentations.
Many scholars have debated the merits of using obscurum-per-obscurius in academic writing.

Meaning

The term suggests that sometimes, to clarify or explain a difficult concept, one might resort to using even more complex or less understood ideas, leading to further confusion.