pseudo-problem

[/ˈsuːdoʊ ˈprɑːbləm/]
nounpl: pseudo-problems
pseudoproblema
1. A question or issue that appears to be a genuine problem but is not actually meaningful or solvable because it is based on confused thinking, false premises, or linguistic confusion
The debate about whether time is real is often considered a pseudo-problem by some philosophers who argue the question itself is ill-formed.
O debate sobre se o tempo é real é frequentemente considerado um pseudoproblema por alguns filósofos que argumentam que a própria questão é mal formulada.
2. An issue that seems to require a solution but dissolves when examined more carefully or when the underlying assumptions are questioned
The company realized their customer complaints were a pseudo-problem—the real issue was inadequate staff training.
A empresa percebeu que as reclamações dos clientes eram um pseudoproblema—o verdadeiro problema era o treinamento insuficiente da equipe.
The term 'pseudo-problem' is frequently used in academic philosophy, particularly in analytical philosophy and philosophy of language, to dismiss questions that are considered meaningless or based on linguistic confusion. In Brazilian universities, it's used to critique poorly formulated questions in academic debates. In American intellectual circles, it has become more common in technology and business contexts where teams need to distinguish between real and apparent problems.
NYC Slang
faux problem, fake issue, smoke and mirrors
Synonyms / Sinônimos
false problemapparent problemillusory problemartificial problemtrivial problem
Antonyms / Antônimos
genuine problemreal problemauthentic problemsubstantive problem

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
pseudoproblema
Standard usage in academic and philosophical contexts
São Paulo
pseudoproblema
Common in university and intellectual discourse
Portugal
pseudoproblema
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; used in philosophical discussions

Related Words

pseudosciencephilosophical problemlogical fallacymisunderstandingconceptual confusion

Related Idioms & Phrases

much ado about nothing
tempest in a teapot
a distinction without a difference
splitting hairs
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