The Inferential Distance distance between Person A and Person B on a given subject is the number of steps of inference required for A to reach B's conclusion.
In Expecting Short Inferential Distances, Eliezer Yudkowsky posits that humans systematically underestimate inferential distances.
...And if you think you can explain the concept of “systematically underestimated inferential distances” briefly, in just a few words, I’ve got some sad news for you . . . – Expecting Short Inferential Distances