Sophistry

Sophistry is not a light matter, especially if it advocates dangerous or antisocial behavior.

I am Not as Turned On, Arnold Kling | EconLog | Library of Economics and Liberty 2009

STRANGER: Then that part of the acquisitive art which exchanges, and of exchange which either sells a man’s own productions or retails those of others, as the case may be, and in either way sells the knowledge of virtue, you would again term Sophistry?

The Sophist 2006

Well, I think your point about what the Greeks called Sophistry is well taken and my father, whom I love and respect and like, is a lawyer.

On a side note -- Lawyers. Rogers 2006

And so, from division comes purification; and from this, mental purification; and from mental purification, instruction; and from instruction, education; and from education, the nobly-descended art of Sophistry, which is engaged in the detection of conceit.

The Sophist 2006

STRANGER: Then now, Theaetetus, his art may be traced as a branch of the appropriative, acquisitive family — which hunts animals, — living — land — tame animals; which hunts man, — privately — for hire, — taking money in exchange — having the semblance of education; and this is termed Sophistry, and is a hunt after young men of wealth and rank — such is the conclusion.

The Sophist 2006

"Sophistry," and which consists in making up "systems" to explain the world; in contrast with Philosophy which aims at the answering of questions, the solution of problems and the final establishment of the truth.

The Free Press Hilaire Belloc 1911

"Sophistry," retorted the German, picking up the gauntlet; "there have been a good many things said here to-night which sound well but won't stand fire.

The Pagans Arlo Bates 1884

Sophistry aside, it doesn't seem likely to me that the solution to excessive spending is more excessive spending.

Getting Out From Under Our Federal Debt 2011

Sophistry has rarely been as nakedly and stupidly paraded. the other scott Says:

Matthew Yglesias » George Will Loves Recycling 2009

“Sophistry: an argument apparently correct in form but actually invalid, especially such an argument used to deceive.”

mostly good girls Leila Sales 2010