Definition of the word explain away

The phrase "explain away" originated in the early 20th century and is a modern linguistic expression that highlights a common logical fallacy known as "arguing from ignorance." "Explain away" is a variant of the phrase "explain something away," which means to provide an explanation for something that appears to be contrary to the evidence or perceived facts. Essentially, it suggests that a seemingly conflicting observation or data can be explained or dismissed by a different theory, interpretation, or explanation. In the context of argumentative discussions or debates, when one party presents evidence or facts that support an opposing viewpoint, the other party may attempt to negate these points by "explaining them away." This tactic involves disproving the evidence by proposing an interpretation or explanation that renders it less significant or irrelevant to the argument. For example, debating whether or not climate change is real, a skeptic could claim that fluctuations in the weather are merely natural occurrences and that the current climactic conditions are not indicative of an ongoing global trend. In such a scenario, the believer of climate change may argue that these fluctuations are anomalies and that the warming of the planet is a significant trend that must be addressed. In turn, the skeptic may then attempt to "explain them away" by stating that the alleged trend is merely based on selected data or that climate researchers are politically motivated. In summary, "explain away" is a term that synthesizes the concept of interpreting new evidence within a broader context, potentially challenging existing theories or understanding, and is a vital aspect of scientific discourse and philosophical debate.