obscurantism

Obscurantism is the practice of deliberately restricting or concealing information in order to hinder understanding, debate, or scrutiny. It commonly involves vague or euphemistic language, selective disclosure, and barriers to access or education designed to keep certain audiences from fully grasping issues. While sometimes framed as protecting security or tradition, the term generally carries a critical evaluation of efforts to undermine open inquiry.

Historically, obscurantism has appeared in political, religious, and institutional contexts where authorities seek to preserve power by limiting what people can know or question. Critics argue that such practices impede democratic accountability and scientific progress, while supporters may argue that clarity could cause social disruption or expose sensitive matters.

Common manifestations include censorship of media or schooling, opaque bureaucratic procedures, controlled access to knowledge, and the use of specialized jargon to obscure critical meaning. Pseudoscience, misinformation, and conspiracy rhetoric can function as forms of obscurantism by presenting simplified or misleading explanations as absolute truths.

Obscurantism undermines informed consent and public deliberation, reduces trust in institutions, and can entrench power by depriving communities of the means to challenge decisions.

Scholars often contrast obscurantism with transparency, openness, and epistemic rigor, and it is a recurring topic in discussions of education, governance, and science communication.