ignoratio elenchi

American  

[ig-nuh-rey-shee-oh i-leng-kahy, -kee] / ˌɪg nəˈreɪ ʃiˌoʊ ɪˈlɛŋ kaɪ, -ki /

noun

Logic.

1. the fallacy of offering proof irrelevant to the proposition in question.

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ignoratio elenchi British  

/ ˌɪɡnəˈreɪʃɪəʊ ɪˈlɛŋkaɪ /

noun

1. a purported refutation of a proposition that does not in fact prove it false but merely establishes a related but strictly irrelevant proposition

2. the fallacy of arguing in this way

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Etymology

Origin of ignoratio elenchi

1580–90; < Latin ignōrātiō elenchī literally, ignorance of the refutation; elenchus

Example Sentences

The learned term the rhetorical device an ignoratio elenchi.

From The Morals of Marcus Ordeyne : a Novel by Locke, William John

The whole of Mr. Mansel’s argument for the inconceivability of the Infinite and of the Absolute is one long ignoratio elenchi.

From The Philosophy of the Conditioned by Mansel, Henry Longueville

But others, by exhibiting what I may venture to describe as an ignoratio elenchi, have made it desirable to recall attention to the specific purport of my former letter.

From Letters to "The Times" upon War and Neutrality (1881-1920) by Holland, Thomas Erskine, Sir

It would therefore be an ignoratio elenchi to allow oneself to be disposed of in such a manner.

From The Essays of Arthur Schopenhauer; the Art of Controversy by Saunders, T. Bailey (Thomas Bailey)

"Oh, well, then it will be ignoratio elenchi or argumentum ad hominem—" "Oh, yes, but they're not the service."

From Pointed Roofs Pilgrimage, Volume 1 by Richardson, Dorothy Miller