Obscurantist

An obscurantist is a person or ideology that deliberately rejects, distorts, or suppresses knowledge, information, or enlightenment. This term often relates to efforts to maintain ignorance or confusion among the public, particularly in matters of science, education, or politics. Obscurantists may prioritize emotion or ideology over evidence-based reasoning, leading to a veil of misunderstanding or misinformation.

Obscurantist meaning with examples

• The politician's speech was criticized for its obscurantist rhetoric, as it deliberately avoided addressing the scientific facts behind climate change in favor of emotional appeals meant to sway public opinion without providing real information.
• In the debate around education reform, one speaker adopted an obscurantist approach, shrouding the real issues in jargon and complex terminology, making it difficult for the average citizen to grasp the underlying problems and solutions.
• As the debate intensified, it became clear that the group was led by obscurantist thinkers who preferred to cloud the issues with vague assertions rather than engage in a constructive discussion based on verifiable data.
• The obscurantist tendencies of social media platforms often amplify false narratives, creating an environment where sensationalism overshadows factual reporting, resulting in a misinformed public more inclined to believe half-truths.
• Critics of the obscurantist policies argued that they stifled innovation and kept beneficial advancements from reaching the public, as officials preferred a state of confusion that favored their control over information dissemination.