A specific type of Black Swan Event scenario where even the knowledge that something is possible presents incredible danger, making it difficult for the discoverers to seek counsel on how to handle the information, and leaving them with the ethical dilemma of whether to share the information (and hope people police how its used), destroy their findings (prisoner's dilemma that it may be rediscovered by someone else later), or guard the secret to the grave.

Named after the Deplorable Word from The Chronicles of Narnia: The Magicians Nephew, where in the universe of Charn, there existed a single spell which, if uttered, would instantly exterminate all life in said universe, except its speaker (ultimately used by Queen Jadis to this effect, who would go on to be the White Witch). Prior, wiser Kings and Queens knew it existed and banned even seeking knowledge of it.

The discovery of the incredible amount of energy released by Nuclear Fission and its potential for use in weapons presented a Deplorable Word Scenario for its discoverers. If they kept quiet and burned their research, how long would it be before someone else discovered it? How long would it be before someone used it?

by TexasBard June 13, 2025

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