elenchus (redirected from Socratic elenchus)

elenchus [ɪˈlɛŋkəs]

n pl -chi [-kaɪ] Logic

1. (Philosophy / Logic) refutation of an argument by proving the contrary of its conclusion, esp syllogistically

2. (Philosophy / Logic) Socratic elenchus. the drawing out of the consequences of a position in order to show them to be contrary to some accepted position

[from Latin, from Greek elenkhos refutation, from elenkhein to put to shame, refute]

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elenchus

a syllogistic argument that refutes a proposition by proving the direct opposite of its conclusion. — elenchic, elenctic, adj.

See also: Logic