Superficial
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2008-07-07T06:36:46Z
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'''Superficial''' is a general term meaning "regarding the [[surface]]", often [[metaphor]]ically. Both in the literal as in the metaphorical sense the term has often a negative connotation based on the idea that deeper parts are also important to consider.
In human anatomy, '''superficial''' describes objects near the body's surface as compared to other objects that may be '''deep'''. For example, skin is a superficial structure of the body and muscles are deep to skin. In addition, superficial muscles are those which are just under the skin, often the shape and size of which has an effect on a person's appearance.
Thus, the term is used to describe an observation or analysis that deals only with the most apparent and obvious features of some object, or phenomenon.
A superficial, or alternatively, an "over-simplified" [[logical argument|argument]] is prone to many [[logical fallacy|logical fallacies]]: including [[hasty generalization]], [[Division (logical fallacy)|division]], [[Composition (logical fallacy)|composition]] and many others.
A person who exhibits a "superficial" comprehension of some or many subjects may be negatively attributed as being shallow, [[consumerism|materialistic]], and even exhibiting false emotions through an exaggerated [[affect display]]. Occasionally they may be [[pseudointellectual]].
[[Category:Metaphors]]