apodictical

apodictical

The judge's apodictical statement left no room for doubt.

Definition

Adjective:
Apodictical (also spelled apodictic) refers to something that is clearly, undeniably, or necessarily true; it is a term used in logic and philosophy to describe a proposition that is self-evident or demonstrably certain, leaving no room for doubt or contradiction.

Usage Examples
  • (A proof that is absolutely certain and irrefutable.)
  • (Self-evident truths that are beyond dispute.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Apodictical certainty": A level of certainty that is absolute and derived from logical necessity, not from empirical observation.

    • The law of non-contradiction is considered an apodictical certainty in classical logic. (A truth that cannot be false under any circumstances.)
  • "Apodictical judgment": In Kantian philosophy, a judgment that is necessarily true and universally valid, as opposed to a probabilistic or empirical one.

    • Mathematical axioms are examples of apodictical judgments. (Judgments that are true a priori and not based on sense experience.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Apodictic (adj): The more common spelling variant of apodictical.

    • His statement was apodictic, meaning it was undeniable. (Equivalent in meaning to apodictical.)
  • Apodictically (adv): In a manner that is clearly and necessarily true.

    • The conclusion follows apodictically from the premises. (The conclusion is logically forced.)
Synonyms
  • Indubitable: unable to be doubted; unquestionable.
  • Incontrovertible: not open to question; indisputable.
  • Self-evident: evident without proof or reasoning.
Related Idioms
  • Beyond a shadow of a doubt: completely certain; without any uncertainty.

    • The evidence was apodictical, proving his innocence beyond a shadow of a doubt. (The proof left no possibility of guilt.)
  • As sure as night follows day: used to emphasize absolute certainty.

    • Given the premises, the conclusion is as sure as night follows day — it is apodictical. (The truth is logically inevitable.)