New Word: Simplism

[Shagman]

Simplism, noun: that euphoric feeling one gets when one finds an easy solution to a difficult problem. In mathematics this process is called elegance. In economics it is called idiocy.

Unfortunately, one can reinforce the initial euphoria by finding new problems to which to apply the solution, which becomes even less effective and very likely dangerous. This oversimplification leads to carpenter's syndrome, the tendency to use one tool for multiple tasks ("when the only tool you have is a hammer, everything starts to look like a nail&quot .

Example: tax cuts as fiscal policy. The only measurable effect is to increase the deficit, but in some circles they are the only answer to a host of questions.

[rfranklin]

1. Simplism for simpletons...

it works for the Teabaggers.

[saras]

2. Nah, elegance in math is HARD. Simplism is like saying pi is 22/7 because that's close enough...

...and then wondering why you can't get calculus to work any more.

[Warpy]

3. I've been calling conservative economic policy simplistic for years

It's economics for dummies in terms tailor made for dummies and alas, successfully marketed to dummies for the last 40 years.

Never mind it's wrong and it's all blown up in their piggy faces. They still believe, by gum, because it's economics they can understand and that makes it right!

[Ruby the Liberal]

4. It is tied to the bumper sticker mentality

If you can't get your policy to fit on a bumper sticker, a huge chunk of the population won't "get it", no matter what the actual implications are.

Think of the ones who want to end "Obamacare" as a means of getting the government out of their medicare (that they love).