The absurd (Latin phrase); often used in the phrase 'reductio ad absurdum,' meaning reducing an argument to an obviously false conclusion.
Latin neuter singular form of absurdus. Used in English primarily in the philosophical phrase 'reductio ad absurdum,' adopted directly from Latin logical discourse without translation.
This Latin phrase 'reductio ad absurdum' is one of the most powerful logical tools in philosophy and debate—you prove someone wrong by showing their argument leads to ridiculous conclusions. It's been used for centuries because it works so well.
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