complícatio

Complícatio is a term used in theoretical discussions across philosophy, linguistics, and rhetoric to describe the deliberate addition of layers of complexity to a concept, argument, or system. It denotes the process by which simpler ideas are interwoven with auxiliary assumptions, technical terms, or nested structures to produce a more intricate, and potentially more expressive, whole. The word derives from Latin complicatio, from complicare “to entangle or fold together,” and is often used with an accent mark to indicate pronunciation.

In philosophy, complícatio refers to a method that enriches an argument by embedding it within a network of premises, conditionalities, and tacit presuppositions. In rhetoric, it may describe the use of ornate style and multi-clause construction to convey depth, while risking reduced accessibility. In linguistics, the term can denote the intentional layering of syntactic or morphological material that increases structural complexity.

Examples are typically hypothetical, illustrating how a simple claim becomes more intricate when additional conditions, alternatives, or qualifiers are added. Critics argue that complícatio can obscure meaning and hinder communication, while supporters view it as a realistic tool for modeling nuanced phenomena and for exploratory analysis.

See also: complexity, acrobatics of argument, obfuscation, clarificatio. References to the term are scarce outside specialized writings, and its use remains unconventional in mainstream discourse.