Definitions

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun (reduction to the absurd) a disproof by showing that the consequences of the proposition are absurd; or a proof of a proposition by showing that its negation leads to a contradiction

Etymologies

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Examples

  • So as to leave no doubt about my sincerity, I note that the term reductio ad absurdum was invented by dead white males to justify their oppressive patriarchal racist imperalist hegemony.

    Pelosi is an embarrassment… 2010

  • They love engaging in reductio ad absurdium and other fallacies to try and twist it to their point.

    G20 police assault verdict SHOCK! « POLICE INSPECTOR BLOG Inspector Gadget 2010

  • The phrase reductio ad Hitlerum was coined by an academic ethicist, Leo Strauss, in 1953.

    Must Watch: Official US Trailer for Steven Soderbergh's Che « FirstShowing.net 2008

  • This type of proof, where we assume the negation of what we wish to prove, and then show that the negation leads to a contradiction, is called reductio ad absurdum.

    Euclid’s Window Leonard Mlodinow 2001

  • This type of proof, where we assume the negation of what we wish to prove, and then show that the negation leads to a contradiction, is called reductio ad absurdum.

    Euclid’s Window Leonard Mlodinow 2001

  • This type of proof, where we assume the negation of what we wish to prove, and then show that the negation leads to a contradiction, is called reductio ad absurdum.

    Euclid’s Window Leonard Mlodinow 2001

  • The phrase reductio ad Hitlerum was coined by an academic ethicist, Leo Strauss, in 1950.

    Next Big Future 2009

  • The phrase reductio ad Hitlerum was coined by an academic ethicist, Leo Strauss, in 1950.

    Next Big Future 2009

  • The phrase reductio ad Hitlerum was coined by an academic ethicist, Leo Strauss, in 1950.

    Next Big Future 2009

  • The phrase reductio ad Hitlerum was coined by an academic ethicist, Leo Strauss, in 1950.

    Next Big Future 2009

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