apagogic

Definitions

Of the nature of or pertaining to apagoge. Proving indirectly, by showing the absurdity or impossibility of the contrary: as, an apagogic demonstration. Using mathematical apagoge.

adjective Proving indirectly, by showing the absurdity, or impossibility of the contrary.

adjective Proving indirectly, by showing the impossibility, or absurdity of the contrary.

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The argument is, therefore, rather a conclusio a minori ad mojus than, as Kern thinks, an apagogic one.

The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion and Historical Developement. 1789-1850 1870
The apagogic method of proof is admissible only in those sciences where it is impossible to mistake a subjective representation for an objective cognition.

The Critique of Pure Reason Immanuel Kant 1764
The apagogic mode of proof is the true source of those illusions which have always had so strong an attraction for the admirers of dogmatical philosophy.

The Critique of Pure Reason Immanuel Kant 1764
The direct or ostensive proof not only establishes the truth of the proposition to be proved, but exposes the grounds of its truth; the apagogic, on the other hand, may assure us of the truth of the proposition, but it cannot enable us to comprehend the grounds of its possibility.

The Critique of Pure Reason Immanuel Kant 1764
In this latter case the rule applies: non entis nulla sunt predicata; that is to say, what we affirm and what we deny, respecting such an object, are equally untrue, and the apagogic mode of arriving at the truth is in this case impossible.

The Critique of Pure Reason Immanuel Kant 1764
The third rule for the guidance of pure reason in the conduct of a proof is that all transcendental proofs must never be apagogic or indirect, but always ostensive or direct.

The Critique of Pure Reason Immanuel Kant 1764