Antilogism

/ænˈtɪlədʒɪzəm/ noun

Definition

A method of logical argument where contradictory propositions are presented to prove that one side of a debate must be false.

Etymology

From antilogy + -ism (system or practice suffix). A technical term from classical rhetoric and logic developed by ancient Greek philosophers.

Kelly Says

Socrates basically invented antilogism as his interrogation method—he would ask questions that led opponents to contradict themselves, proving they didn't actually understand what they claimed to know, which was more devastating than just telling them they were wrong.

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