reductio ad absurdum

[ri-duhk-tee-oh ad ab-sur-duhm, -zur-, -shee-oh]

noun

Logic.

1. a reduction to an absurdity; the refutation of a proposition by demonstrating the inevitably absurd conclusion to which it would logically lead.

reductio ad absurdum

/ rɪˈdʌktɪəʊ æd æbˈsɜːdəm /

noun

1. a method of disproving a proposition by showing that its inevitable consequences would be absurd

2. a method of indirectly proving a proposition by assuming its negation to be true and showing that this leads to an absurdity

3. application of a principle or proposed principle to an instance in which it is absurd

Word History and Origins

Origin of reductio ad absurdum¹

First recorded in 1735–45, reductio ad absurdum is from Latin reductiō ad absurdum

Word History and Origins

Origin of reductio ad absurdum¹

Latin, literally: reduction to the absurd