elenchus

The philosopher uses the elenchus to examine a student's statement.

Definition

1. Noun (plural: ):
   • Logical refutation: In philosophy, "elenchus" refers to a method of logical argumentation used to refute an opponent's position by demonstrating that it leads to a contradiction or absurdity. It is most famously associated with the Socratic method of questioning.
   • A cross-examination: More broadly, it can denote a rigorous questioning or cross-examination aimed at exposing inconsistencies in someone's beliefs or statements.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The philosopher employed an elenchus to challenge the student's assumptions about justice. (A logical refutation through questioning.)
  • Through a series of elenchi, Socrates revealed the flaws in his interlocutor's reasoning. (Multiple instances of logical refutation.)

Advanced Usage

• "Socratic elenchus": A specific technique used by Socrates in Plato's dialogues, where he asks a series of questions to draw out and test the consistency of a person's beliefs.
  • The Socratic elenchus is a cornerstone of Western philosophical inquiry. (The method of questioning to expose contradictions.)

Variants and Related Words

• Elenctic (adj): Pertaining to or involving an elenchus; serving to refute or cross-examine.

  • The elenctic method of teaching encourages critical thinking. (The method involving logical refutation.)

• Elench (n): A less common variant of elenchus.

  • The dialogue concluded with a powerful elench. (A logical refutation.)

Synonyms

• Refutation: the act of proving a statement or argument to be false.
• Cross-examination: the questioning of a witness or person to test their statements.

Phrasal Verbs

Related Idioms

• "To turn the tables": While not a direct synonym, this idiom can describe the effect of an elenchus, where the arguer reverses the argument against the opponent.
  • Socrates turned the tables on his opponent using an elenchus. (He refuted the opponent's position by showing it contradicted itself.)