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; see elenchus

Example Sentences

The ignoratio elenchi is in his own mind.

From Orthodoxy: Its Truths And Errors by Clarke, James Freeman

An ignoratio elenchi more flagrant—a mistaking of the question more palpable—it is surely not possible to conceive.

From A Theodicy, or, Vindication of the Divine Glory by Bledsoe, Albert Taylor

The learned term the rhetorical device an ignoratio elenchi.

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

Define and illustrate:—Paralogism, ignoratio elenchi, fallacia accidentis, argumentum ad verecundiam, illicit process, undistributed middle, etc.

From Logic Deductive and Inductive by Read, Carveth