reductio
Proof by absurdity
Reductio is short for the Latin phrase *reductio ad absurdum*, a method of argument that disproves a proposition by showing that it leads to absurd or contradictory conclusions.
In logic and debate, you perform a reductio by assuming your opponent's position is true, then demonstrating that it produces impossible or ridiculous results.
Her reductio of his argument left him with nothing to say.
The term appears most often in philosophical and academic contexts.
Formal deductive argument structure
- deductionConclusion from premises
- inferenceConclusion reached through reasoning
- fallacyError in reasoning
- paradoxSeemingly absurd truth
axiom · theorem · corollary · antinomy · dialectic · induction · contraposition · propositional
Demonstration of truth
- contradictionOpposing claims, incompatible together
- counterexampleInstance disproving a claim
- disproofEvidence showing falsehood
- refutationDisproving a statement
premise · conclusion · absurdity · assumption · negation · impossibility · demonstration · validity
Purification via vaporization
- essenceFundamental nature of something
- condensationVapor turning to liquid
- coreCentral essential portion
- minimizationMaking as small as possible
paring · compression · abridgement · synopsis · summary · gist · quintessence
syllogism
Formal deductive argument structure
- deductionConclusion from premises
- inferenceConclusion reached through reasoning
- fallacyError in reasoning
paradox · axiom · theorem · corollary · antinomy · dialectic · induction · contraposition · propositional · validity
proof
Demonstration of truth
- contradictionOpposing claims, incompatible together
- counterexampleInstance disproving a claim
- disproofEvidence showing falsehood
refutation · premise · conclusion · absurdity · assumption · negation · impossibility · demonstration · validity · soundness
distillation
Purification via vaporization
- essenceFundamental nature of something
- condensationVapor turning to liquid
- coreCentral essential portion
minimization · paring · compression · abridgement · synopsis · summary · gist · quintessence
reductiobuilding up
Increasing gradually
establishment · confirmation · corroboration · affirmation · assertion
- noise reductionDecreasing auditory interference
- stress reductionLessening mental tension
- greenhouse gas reductionLowering climate-warming emissions
- gradual reduction
- price reductionLowered cost of goods
- breast reductionSurgery to decrease bust size