sophism
/'sɔfizm/
Definition
- Noun:
- A deliberately invalid argument displaying ingenuity in reasoning in the hope of deceiving someone: A sophism is a clever but false argument, especially one used to deceive or to appear knowledgeable. It is a fallacious piece of reasoning that seems plausible on the surface but is logically unsound.
Usage
- The word "sophism" is used to describe a specific type of flawed argument. It is a formal term, often used in academic contexts like philosophy, rhetoric, or logic to critique deceptive reasoning.
- It is typically used as a countable noun (e.g., "a sophism," "several sophisms").
Examples
- Noun:
- The politician's claim was exposed as a clever sophism designed to mislead the public.
- In his essay, the philosopher carefully dismantled the ancient sophism.
- Don't be fooled by that line of reasoning; it's a classic sophism.
Advanced Usage
- "To commit/promulgate a sophism": To put forward or spread a deceptive argument.
- The debater was accused of committing a sophism to win the argument.
- "A web of sophisms": A complex series of interconnected false arguments.
- His entire theory was built upon a web of sophisms.
Variants and Related Words
- Sophist (n): Historically, a teacher of rhetoric and philosophy in ancient Greece; now often used to mean a person who uses clever but fallacious arguments.
- He was known as a sophist who could argue any side of an issue.
- Sophistic (adj): Relating to or characteristic of sophists or sophistry.
- His sophistic arguments were difficult to refute on the spot.
- Sophistry (n): The use of sophisms; subtly deceptive reasoning or argumentation.
- The debate was full of clever sophistry but lacked real substance.
Synonyms
- Fallacy: A mistaken belief or a flawed argument.
- Casuistry: The use of clever but unsound reasoning, especially in relation to moral questions.
- Quibble: A slight objection or criticism, often about a trivial matter; can imply a petty sophism.
Antonyms
- Sound argument: An argument that is logically valid and based on true premises.
- Valid reasoning: Reasoning that correctly follows logical rules.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "To engage in sophistry": To practice the use of deceptive arguments.
- The lawyer was not presenting facts but engaging in pure sophistry.
Noun
-
a deliberately invalid argument displaying ingenuity in reasoning in the hope of deceiving someone
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ chứa "sophism"
