29 lines
2.2 KiB
Markdown
29 lines
2.2 KiB
Markdown
---
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title: "Hand-waving"
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chunk: 3/3
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source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hand-waving"
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category: "reference"
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tags: "science, encyclopedia"
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date_saved: "2026-05-05T07:23:57.540774+00:00"
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instance: "kb-cron"
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---
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Hand-waving arguments in engineering and other applied sciences often include order-of-magnitude estimates and dimensional analysis, especially in the use of Fermi problems in physics and engineering education. However, competent, well-intentioned researchers and professors also rely on explicitly declared hand-waving when, given a limited time, a large result must be shown and minor technical details cannot be given much attention—e.g., "it can be shown that z is an even number", as an intermediary step in reaching a conclusion.
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Another example of hand-waving can be found in the oversimplifications of the geologic representations commonly used in groundwater models created in support of land-development applications, especially those involving metal mining and aggregate extraction.
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Back-of-the-envelope calculations are approximate ways to get an answer by over-simplification, and are comparable to hand-waving in this sense.
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== In business ==
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Hand-waving has been used to describe work-related situations where productivity is seemingly displayed, but deliverables are not produced, especially in the context of intentional engagement in busy work or pretend-work, vague claims of overwork or complications, impenetrably buzzword-laden rationalizations for delays or otherwise poor performance, and plausible-sounding but weak excuse-making and attention-deflecting tactics. In employment situations, as in political discourse, a hand-waving effort may seek to shift blame to other parties.
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Another use is in reference to fiscal problems, such as an inability to adequately explain accounting discrepancies or an avoidance of accountability for missing funds.
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== See also ==
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List of logical fallacies
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Proof by example
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Proof by intimidation
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== References ==
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== External links ==
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"Proof by Handwaving", article at Everything2
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"And then a miracle occurs", cartoon by Sidney Harris, published in American Scientist magazine
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"Proving almost anything" Archived 2011-07-21 at the Wayback Machine, humor essay by James Lavin, IEEE Potentials February/March 1996, pp. 6–7. |