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

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

From Logic Deductive and Inductive by Read, Carveth

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

Perhaps it might be said that in arguing, "All men are mortal, and you are a man," it is not so much ignoratio elenchi as petitio principii that you commit.

From Logic, Inductive and Deductive by Minto, William

The ignoratio elenchi is in his own mind.

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

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)