Steelyard Problem

The Steelyard Problem is an informal label for a misstep in reasoning: appealing to needlessly heavy theorics when a leaner, more direct explanation would do. The name alludes to Gardan’s Steelyard, a rule of thumb that favors simpler hypotheses over complicated constructions.

First appearance and context

The phrase is used during a dialog among avout about why people worry about some possible futures while dismissing countless absurd ones. After one speaker frames the issue in terms of Hemn space and action principles, Fraa Jesry remarks that this poses a “Steelyard problem,” meaning the explanation is overly elaborate for the point at hand.

Usage and implications

• Functions as a conversational check: “you have a Steelyard problem” signals that the argument invokes more machinery than necessary.
• Highlights a contrast between ordinary judgments of plausibility and formal, technical treatments; the critique prefers the lighter-weight account when it suffices.

Current status

As used here, the Steelyard Problem is an informal, in‑dialog term rather than a codified principle, tied by name and spirit to Gardan’s Steelyard.