Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

reductio-ad-absurdum

Noun

/rɪˌdʌk.tɪ.oʊ.æd.æbˈsɜr.dəm/

Definition

A form of argument that demonstrates that a statement is false by showing that a logical consequence of the statement would be absurd or contradictory.

Examples

The argument against the existence of a perfect being is often presented as a reductio ad absurdum.
By using reductio ad absurdum, he was able to highlight the flaws in the opposing argument effectively.
The debate focused on the potential consequences of the new policy through a series of reductio ad absurdum scenarios.

Meaning

Literally translated from Latin, it means ‘reduction to absurdity.’ This method is often used in philosophical discussions and logical reasoning to debunk claims by illustrating the impractical or nonsensical implications of those claims if they were true.