reductio ad absurdum

re·duc·ti·o ad ab·sur·dum  (r-dkt- d b-sûrdm, -zûr-, -sh-)

n. pl. re·duc·ti·o·nes ad absurdum (-nz, -ns)

Disproof of a proposition by showing that it leads to absurd or untenable conclusions.

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[Medieval Latin reducti ad absurdum : Latin reducti, a bringing back, reduction + Latin ad, to + Latin absurdum, absurdity, from neuter of absurdus, absurd.]

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reductio ad absurdum [rɪˈdʌktɪəʊ æd æbˈsɜːdəm]

n

1. (Philosophy / Logic) a method of disproving a proposition by showing that its inevitable consequences would be absurd

2. (Philosophy / Logic) 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

[Latin, literally: reduction to the absurd]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

reductio ad absurdum - (reduction to the absurd) a disproof by showing that the consequences of the proposition are absurd; or a proof of a proposition by showing that its negation leads to a contradiction reductio disproof, falsification, refutation - any evidence that helps to establish the falsity of something