Perplexity can be associated with bewilderment.
Perplexity is a term that refers to the confusion or indecision that a person has regarding something. Perplexĭtas is the Latin word that gave rise to the concept. It derives from perplexus , which is formed from the sum of two clearly delimited parts: the prefix per- , which can be translated as “intensity” ; and the verb plectere , which is synonymous with “to entangle.”
Those who are perplexed, therefore, do not know what decision to make or how to resolve a certain situation. For example: “I still can't get out of my perplexity: did he really jump from the ninth floor?” , “The perplexity at the news gave way to indignation and fury” , “Upon seeing the painting, the minister could not hide his perplexity” .
Perplexity and shock
Generally, perplexity occurs when faced with an event that causes shock . These are situations that generate surprise or impact and that, therefore, prevent the individual from reacting quickly or fluidly. Suppose an executive is going to participate in a business meeting with a potential partner. When you reach the meeting place, you extend your hand to greet the other person, but they respond by spitting in your face. Perplexity, without a doubt, will take over the executive, who will be taken aback by the reaction .
This allows us to understand that perplexity also arises when something turns out to be contrary to what was expected . If you attend a classical music concert and the musicians are dressed in leather pants and studded jackets, you will be perplexed.
The concept in philosophy
Within the field of philosophy and ethics it is common to analyze perplexity in depth. Thus, for example, among other things, it is proposed that it is the state of tension that every individual experiences when faced with two options and both are totally subject to and in accordance with their morality.
This situation is not at all favorable for man, who will have to make a decision in this regard. Thus, you can opt for what has been called discursive ethics , which translates into the achievement of a consensus, or you can opt for what is known as neo-Aristotelianism . The latter is defined as synonymous with community ethics .
In the field of information theory , on the other hand, perplexity constitutes a type of measure linked to the distribution of probabilities. A probabilistic model, therefore, has a certain perplexity.
Confusion is linked to perplexity.
Song «Perplexity»
In the field of music, there are several songs that create their title from the term we are analyzing. This would be the case of the composition “Perplejidad” by the singer Nacho Vegas . He is a native of Gijón and his style is halfway between rock and folk.
“Unmemorable actors”,“The party”,“One day you will die”,“Libertarian song” y “How to make crack” son algunas de las canciones más conocidas de dicho artista, influido por Bob Dylan y Leonard Cohen, que ha realizado colaboraciones con diversos cantantes de gran reconocimiento como sería el caso deHenry Bunbury (Heroes of Silence) o de Cristina Rosenvinge (Alex & Cristina).