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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of ignoratio elenchi

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

Example Sentences

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

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

From Logic Deductive and Inductive by Read, Carveth

Mr. Mill concludes this chapter with another instance of that ignoratio elenchi which has been so abundantly manifested throughout his previous criticisms.

From The Philosophy of the Conditioned by Mansel, Henry Longueville

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)

But others, by exhibiting what I may venture to describe as an ignoratio elenchi, have made it desirable to recall attention to the specific purport of my former letter.

From Letters to "The Times" upon War and Neutrality (1881-1920) by Holland, Thomas Erskine, Sir