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

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

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

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

To prove this is an ignoratio elenchi; what the Sophist undertakes to prove is that Achilles will never overtake it, and he really proves that Achilles passes it between the 111th and 112th yards.

From Logic, Inductive and Deductive by Minto, William

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)

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 James, William