ignoratio elenchi

[ ig-nuh-rey-shee-oh i-leng-kahy, -kee ]

noun

, Logic.

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

ignoratio elenchi

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ignoratio elenchi¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ignoratio elenchi¹

Latin: an ignorance of proof, translating Greek elenchou agnoia

Example Sentences

The attempts, for instance, to disprove the population doctrines of Malthus, have been mostly cases of ignoratio elenchi.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

For Ignoratio Elenchi (ignorance of the refutation) see Fallacy.

From Project Gutenberg

Why does he immediately add that for the pluralist to plead the non-mutation of such abstractions would be an ignoratio elenchi?

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg