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

See Examples For:

ignoratio elenchi

To deny or ridicule any of these beliefs on physical grounds is to commit the fallacy of ignoratio elenchi.

From On the Genesis of Species by St. George Mivart

His whole paper is an ignoratio elenchi, and he doesn't touch a single one of my positions.

From The Letters of William James, Vol. II by William James

He would not be so humorous about Zeus, nor fall into an ignoratio elenchi.

From Myth, Ritual and Religion — Volume 1 by Andrew Lang

Throw the ignoratio elenchi in his teeth, and, at once, you have him annihilated.

From The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 4 by Edgar Allan Poe

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 Albert Taylor Bledsoe