Reasoning that operates within a strictly defined, self-contained set of axioms, rules, or assumptions, deliberately ignoring or rejecting any external information or context that might challenge the internal consistency of the system. It values internal coherence over correspondence with a messy reality. This is the logic of pure mathematics, certain ideological dogma, and airtight (but possibly irrelevant) theoretical models.
Example: A libertarian think-tank model that "proves" minimal government always leads to optimal outcomes, but which excludes variables like historical racism, environmental externalities, or public health crises from its equations, is using Closed System Logic. The argument is perfectly logical inside its own defined world, but may fail catastrophically when applied to the open system of real human society.
by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal February 3, 2026
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