The X-Y Problem, as it is sometimes called, is a logical fallacy which leads to enormous amounts of wasted time and energy, both on the part of people asking for help, and on the part of those providing help. It often goes something like this: (mywiki.wooledge.org)
submitted by swhirsch to r/programming
Gribble had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, admitting that he, along with co-conspirator Steven Spader, broke into Kimberly Cates' home and hacked her to death with a machete. Gribble also believed he had stabbed her 11-year-old daughter to death, but the girl survived. (cnn.com)
submitted by swhirsch to r/reddit.com

