Cone of Ignorance - Can It Exist & Other Cones To Consider

  • Thread starter Thread starter Andy
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Cone Ignorance
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of a "cone of ignorance" and whether such a phenomenon can exist. Participants explore the implications of ignorance affecting those in proximity, and they also consider related concepts such as "cones of depression" and other geometric metaphors for human behavior and intelligence.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that a cone of ignorance could exist, suggesting that individuals with low intelligence might negatively influence those around them.
  • Others humorously reference various geometric shapes, such as "spheres of wisdom" and "cubes of fortitude," questioning the validity of the cone of ignorance.
  • A participant likens the cone of ignorance to a black hole, implying it draws others into a state of ignorance.
  • There are mentions of fictional cones from H.P. Lovecraft's stories, suggesting a distinction between ignorance and other forms of curiosity.
  • Some participants share personal anecdotes about experiences with individuals they perceive as embodying a cone of ignorance, expressing frustration and humor.
  • One participant challenges the concept by suggesting it might be better described as a "4-cornered cube," introducing a playful debate about the shapes involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the existence and implications of a cone of ignorance. While some find the concept relatable and humorous, others challenge its validity and explore alternative shapes and metaphors.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various assumptions about intelligence and social influence, with no consensus on the definitions or implications of the proposed cones.

Andy
Messages
76
Reaction score
14
Can there be such a thing as a cone of Ignorance? Can somebody be so ignorant as to drag other people down to their level just by being in close proximity to them?

And if this can be so, does that mean that a cone of depression can also exist? Are there any other cones that you can think of?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I've heard of spheres of wisdom and cubes of fortitude, but CONES of ignorance?
 
Well, let's not forget the CONE OF SILENCE. Anyone remember that?

How about the cone of cone. That's were your ice cream cone flakes off when you crunch and it gets on everyone around you.

Another version of the "cone of influence" concept: It's hard to fly like an eagle when you hang with turkeys.
 
I've heard of spheres of wisdom and cubes of fortitude, but CONES of ignorance?

Yea a cone of ignorance is when someone is soooooo stupid that they bring everyone close enough to them down to their level of stupidity.

Think of it like a black hole sucking everything around it into it.
 
LOL. I think this is true. I notice that ignorant people seem to suck the intelligence out of the room.
 
How about those intelligent cones in H.P. Lovecraft stories?

The Great Race's members were immense rugose cones ten feet high, and with head and other organs attached to foot-thick, distensible limbs spreading from the apexes. They spoke by the clicking or scraping of huge paws or claws attached to the end of two of their four limbs, and walked by the expansion and contraction of a viscous layer attached to their vast, ten-foot bases.

Carry on o:)
 
If I remember correctly, they were cones of callous curiosity; they were certainly not cones of ignorance.
 
Yeah, I've met lots of people like that. And i mean lots. They hurt my soul. its in the ICU now...
 
any one in particular you are thinking of Andy? Are you saying you are caught in a cone, or emitting one? Or simply coming up with an excuse for your ignorance?
 
  • #10
All of the above, all though i do know several people that have this cone of ignorance. I was sat next to one in all of my school exams which is why i did so poorly. I detect the cone coming from you though, especially with the tape over your eye, that should give people enough warning though to avoid you so as not to get trapped in your cone.
 
  • #11
You fool! It's not a cone of ignorance, it's a 4-cornered cube. You're just on the wrong corner. :smile:
 
  • #12
Why, yes thank you. Could I get a double-dip, please?
 
  • #13
Andy said:
All of the above, all though i do know several people that have this cone of ignorance. I was sat next to one in all of my school exams which is why i did so poorly. I detect the cone coming from you though, especially with the tape over your eye, that should give people enough warning though to avoid you so as not to get trapped in your cone.

Hey don't blame me, you shouldn't have copied my answers!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
13K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
7K