In ancient Greek philosophy, a method of dialogue where one person systematically refutes another's beliefs by showing internal contradictions.
From Latin and Greek 'elenchus,' from Greek 'elenkhein' (to refute or convict). Most famously associated with Socrates in Plato's dialogues, where it's used as a teaching tool.
The elenchus is basically the origin story of the Socratic method—Socrates would act like he didn't know anything, ask innocent questions, and suddenly the other person realizes they don't know what they thought they knew!
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