But It Works Fallacy

The definitive ideological shield for systemic injustice. This fallacy argues that any critique of a dominant system (like Capitalism or Liberal Democracy) is invalid because the system "works"—usually defined as generating wealth or maintaining stability for a privileged in-group. It deliberately conflates partial functional utility for some with moral legitimacy and universal benefit. The argument dismisses documented atrocities, exploitation, and existential risks as "unfortunate side-effects" or "necessary costs" of a system whose ultimate success is measured only by its own perpetuation.

Example: Defending the brutal exploitation of the Global South, a pundit says, "Sure, sweatshops are harsh, but they're part of the capitalist engine that lifts nations out of poverty. It works!" This commits the But It Works Fallacy. It uses the macro-level metric of GDP growth to morally justify the micro-level brutality, framing human suffering as a required fuel for a machine whose "working" is judged solely by its own expansion, not by human well-being.

by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal February 6, 2026

Explain what a wheel is, how a wheel works, and how to build a wheel

The act of wasting time and resources explaining something so fundamentally basic that anyone with half a brain already understands it, usually performed by someone who thinks they're being helpful but is actually being condescending. This phrase is invoked when someone launches into a lengthy tutorial on a topic that everyone in the room already mastered in kindergarten. It's the verbal equivalent of mansplaining, but for basic concepts. The classic response to "let me explain how this works" when you've been doing it successfully for decades. Also used in corporate settings when a new hire spends an hour explaining their "innovative" idea that's literally just how things are already done.

Example: "My new coworker spent 20 minutes explaining what a PDF is during the meeting. I wanted to say, 'Dude, we don't need you to explain what a wheel is, how a wheel works, and how to build a wheel—just attach the file and send it.' But I smiled and nodded, because that's what you do when someone is trying to be helpful but is actually wasting everyone's time."

by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal February 15, 2026

Explain How a Wheel Works

The act of breaking down the mechanics of something that is intuitively obvious to anyone with functional eyesight and basic physics intuition. This phrase is deployed when someone overexplains a simple process, treating it as if it's rocket science rather than, well, a wheel. It's what happens when your friend who just took a physics class tries to explain why a ball rolls, or when a politician gives a 20-minute speech about why they support something that everyone already supports. The explanation is usually technically correct and completely unnecessary, like a detailed analysis of why water is wet.

Explain How a Wheel Works Example: "My date spent 15 minutes explaining how a wheel works—friction, rotation, axles, the whole deal. I'd asked if he wanted to go for a bike ride. He thought I needed to understand the physics before I could safely pedal. I rode home alone, understanding wheels perfectly, questioning my life choices."

by Dumu The Void February 15, 2026

"But it works" Fallacy

The logical error of justifying a dysfunctional system by pointing to its occasional successes, often deployed in defense of late-stage capitalism when someone mentions poverty, inequality, or environmental destruction. The argument goes: "Sure, there are problems, but look at all the iPhones! Look at the economic growth! It works!" This ignores that "works" is doing a lot of heavy lifting—defining success as "some people are very rich" and "you can get Amazon packages in two days" while conveniently overlooking the millions who are struggling, the planet that's burning, and the democracy that's for sale. The "but it works" fallacy is the intellectual equivalent of praising a car because the radio plays, while the engine is on fire and the brakes are failing.

"But it works" Fallacy Example: "When she pointed out that millions of Americans can't afford healthcare, he responded with the 'but it works' fallacy. 'We have the best hospitals in the world!' he said. 'Capitalism works!' He was in the best hospital, ignoring that she couldn't afford to get in. The system was working great—for him. That's kind of the point."

by Dumu The Void February 15, 2026